ROBIN HOOD RAISES $72.6 MILLION TO FIGHT POVERTY IN NEW YORK CITY
ROBIN HOOD RAISES $72.6 MILLION TO FIGHT POVERTY IN NEW YORK CITY
Whom You Know commends this Charity that is so influential in Manhattan, and all of the city. It truly is an example to the rest of us. We heard one quote from the evening and thought it was worth repeating:
"Your net worth is what good you do with what you have."
Robin Hood, the city's leading poverty-fighting organization, raised $72.6 million, last Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 and 100 percent of it will go to organizations that provide vital services to New Yorkers in need, as Robin Hood’s board underwrites all of the event’s costs. In addition to the money raised at the event, global philanthropist George Soros announced a two-year challenge grant of $50 million on the condition that his donation be matched by $50 million each from Robin Hood’s Board of Directors and $100 million from the general public.
This year’s benefit did without the luxury auctions of years past and instead relied on the generosity of those in attendance to give solely in support of Robin Hood’s mission to fight poverty. Using electronic bidding devices that allowed all contributions to be given anonymously, Robin Hood sought 100% participation from the room, seeking donations of all sizes to capitalize upon the challenge grant. Whom You Know heard that Anne Hathaway, Brian Williams and Eli Manning presided over their respective areas, cheering them on and encouraging them to donate.
The benefit was co-chaired by Mr. Soros, Jon Stewart and Robin Hood founders Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones II. Mr. Stewart served as host for the 20th annual event, while Robin Hood board members Tom Brokaw and Ken Langone also addressed the guests. The Black Eyed Peas entertained the more than 3,000 guests who gathered at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for the fundraiser. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, made a surprise appearance.
This year’s benefit introduced the “Robin Hood Responds” campaign, the foundation’s response to the current economic crisis in which it seeks to mobilize the community’s energy and resources to create opportunities for New Yorkers in need. Robin Hood is encouraging the public to participate through donations, volunteer programs, and raising awareness to the fact that just as poverty-fighting programs are needed most, significant public and private funding has been dramatically reduced.
“The economic recession is hitting our nation and our city with a force unprecedented in our lifetimes. By the latest count, there are at least two million New Yorkers living in poverty,” said David Saltzman, Robin Hood’s Executive Director. “Through our donor’s generosity Robin Hood hopes to lead a powerful response to serve those in need throughout New York City.”
Visit www.robinhoodresponds.org to learn more about participating.
About Robin Hood:
Robin Hood fights poverty in New York City by finding, funding and partnering with over 200 of the most effective programs and schools in the city’s poorest neighborhoods, and then providing management assistance and support services to make them even stronger. In 2008, Robin Hood raised and distributed more than $134 million in grants and initiatives to help poverty-stricken
New Yorkers build better lives for themselves and their families. Because the Robin Hood board of directors pays for all administrative, evaluation and fundraising expenses, 100 percent of donations go directly to the city’s best anti-poverty programs. www.robinhood.org
