RESTORATION CELEBRATES ANNUAL BENEFIT AND HONORS THREE ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN

Over 350 people joined with the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on the evening of June 16th at Manhattan’s Pier 60. The event marked the nation’s first community development corporation’s 43rd year of service to the Central Brooklyn Community while also bestowing honors on three philanthropic leaders: Kimberly Davis, Head of JPMorgan Chase Global Philanthropy; New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery; and Gabriella Morris, President of Prudential Foundation.

NBC News Anchor David Ushery presided as Master of Ceremony over the annual fundraising event themed, Cultivating an Abundant Community. Among the many honored guests included: The Honorable William Gray III, Co-Chairman, Grayloeffler LLC; Community Service Society President, David Jones; New York City Councilmember Albert Vann; NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh; NY Regent at Large, Dr. Lester Young, Jr. Kim Jasmin, Vice President for JP Morgan Chase, served as the Dinner Chair for the evening.

The Honorable Velmanette Montgomery received the Restoration Founder's Award for Outstanding Service to Children and Families. Senator Montgomery commented, “Restoration didn’t drop from the sky: it is the product of the fighting spirit of this community, it stays here through the drive of this community, and it helps to anchor all the parts of our community together. It’s one of the most important miracles going! I am proud to have been part of this miracle, and I will continue working for Restoration, as we all will.” A long time partner of Restoration and champion of Central Brooklyn, Senator Montgomery is responsible for earmarks totaling $400,000 for community arts programs and services for formerly incarcerated youth.

On receiving the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Leadership, Kimberly Davis remarked, “JPMorgan Chase and Bed Stuy Restoration Corporation share a passion and a legacy for building vibrant communities.” Ms. Davis added, “JPMorgan Chase remains steadfast in our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. Our firm’s philanthropy goal is simple – be a catalyst to meaningful change within our highest need neighborhoods and communities across the globe. We salute Bed Stuy Restoration on their 43rd Anniversary and look forward working together as partners, improving lives and communities, for many years to come.” JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor institution have supported Restoration since its inception in 1967. Chase Bank remains one of oldest tenants in Restoration Plaza, the 300,000 square foot commercial and community center owned by Restoration. Under Ms. Davis’ leadership, JPMorgan Chase has helped Restoration launch and expand its workforce and economic development programming and is currently advising the organization as it prioritizes education as a means of eradicating systemic poverty.

The recipient of the Jacob Javits Achievement Award for Outstanding Support for Community Development, Gabriella Morris shared her fellow honorees’ enthusiasm. “Bedford Stuyvesant has led the way in all of this work and has continued to grow and refine its work to meet 21st century needs with 21st century strategies.” Through her leadership, Prudential continues to make significant contributions to educational reform, youth leadership and economic development nationwide.

As President and CEO of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Colvin W. Grannum, explained, “While we work to create a more vibrant and viable place to live, work and visit, our distinguished honorees epitomize the vision and perseverance so essential to making this change happen. This evening celebrated some very important milestones we’ve reached such as the launch of our new Green Initiatives and creation of the Bed Stuy Gateway BID. ” Also highlighting Restoration’s work were moving testimonials by 18 year old Steven Tripari, soon to be Benjamin Bannecker High School senior and Pratt Institute Freshman; and 21 year old Ashley Gibson, 2009 Graduate of the NYC Justice Corps and current Sanitation Crew Supervisor for the newly formed Bed Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District. Other highlights included a performance by Restoration’s signature youth dance ensemble, the Restoration Dance Theatre Company; a silent auction; and dancing to the sounds of the Classic Soul Revue.

About Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation: Established in 1967 by bi-partisan New York Senators, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Sen. Jacob K. Javits, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the nation's first community development corporation, partners with residents and business to improve the quality of life of Central Brooklyn by fostering economic self sufficiency, enhancing family stability and growth, promoting the arts and culture and transforming the neighborhood into a safe, vibrant place to live, work and visit. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Restoration is a dynamic institution that creates significant, sustainable and demonstrable impact in improving the well being of local residents and business.