Volunteer New York! Kicks Off Celebratory 70th Anniversary Year

Volunteer New York!, which mobilizes over 26,000 volunteers annually and serves 500 local nonprofits in three New York counties, announced today that it will celebrate its upcoming 70th anniversary (1950-2020) with a series of extraordinary initiatives, while it continues to produce the stellar programs and new and expanded events for which the organization is well known.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary, Volunteer New York! is planning:

• an inaugural evening Gala to be held on June 4, 2020;
• an action-packed “70 Ways Everyone Can Serve!” campaign;
• a spirited “Thank You!” event for businesses this winter;
• a creative “70 Seconds of Service” video challenge;
• and a special opportunity to highlight Volunteer New York!’s affiliation with Points of Light Foundation, the global network that spans 250 cities across 37 countries.

All this and more are among the wide array of offerings to connect the community through volunteerism, which include the organization’s signature programs: MLK and 9/11 community-wide action days, Volunteer Spirit Awards Breakfast, Leadership Westchester, RSVP of Westchester, RISE integrated volunteering, Nonprofit Board Boot Camp, Volunteer New Rochelle Spring Cleanup, customized Employee Engagement, and more.

To see the full 70th anniversary special events calendar, visit volunteernewyork.org/VNY70.

The #VNY70 70 Years of Impact 1950-2020 kickoff was made via video, starring the dynamic team that is going to lead this incredible anniversary year. The video can be seen at volunteernewyork.org/VNY70. According to Alisa H. Kesten, Volunteer New York!’s executive director, “Truth be told, Volunteer New York! has never been stronger. Our programs and actions are in direct response to the challenges and opportunities identified by the tremendous local nonprofit sector. They are designed to galvanize a deep commitment by individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and public sector leaders to take positive action.”

New Chapter

Kesten, who has been Volunteer New York!’s Executive Director for nearly 10 years, also revealed in the video that early next summer, she will step down and “pass along the great privilege of serving at the helm of this stellar organization to new leadership” while she begins a new chapter in her life.

“I have tremendous pride and satisfaction in the fact that we’ve built a very strong foundation. You know, success is never about one person. Volunteer New York!’s triumphs can be attributed to our very dedicated and able team, which has delivered and encouraged volunteer power. Their expertise in community-building is unparalleled.”

Prior to her current position, Ms. Kesten was Volunteer New York! Board Chair from 2008 to 2009, and a board member for 5 years. Last year, she was honored by City & State’s “Westchester Power 50” list for her tremendous accomplishments and impact in the wider community. In addition to her work with Volunteer New York!, Kesten is vice president of Nonprofit Westchester, a member of the Leadership Council of the Support Center for Nonprofit Management in New York City; and is involved in many other leadership roles for local nonprofits.

“Volunteer New York! has been at the core of making meaningful connections and building leadership opportunities for 70 years, enabling so many to live up to their potential and find greatness through purpose,” said Volunteer New York! Board Chair Valerie Mason Cunningham. “The Board is deeply grateful to Alisa Kesten who has made her mark in this amazing organization's legacy, positioning Volunteer New York! to continue to raise the bar and thrive . . . connect, serve, and grow . . . for many decades to come.”

Ms. Mason Cunningham said that Volunteer New York!’s Governance Committee is initiating a search for the next executive director.

About Volunteer New York!

Volunteer New York!’s core mission is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits and strengthen the quality of life throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. The organization encourages adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom, and businesses to support our community. In 2018, Volunteer New York! inspired more than 26,000 volunteers who helped contribute over 275,000 hours of service to 500 local nonprofits at a value of over $8.7 million to the community.

Visit volunteernewyork.org for more information.