SFK-Success for Kids New York City Hosts First Annual Young Leadership Cocktail Reception

NEW YORK, NY, October 27, 2010 (Press-News.org) On Tuesday, October 19th, more than 200 young professionals gathered at Stone Rose Lounge (Time Warner Center) to raise their awareness of SFK-Success for Kids - a non-profit organization aimed at empowering at-risk children and adolescents to become resilient, productive citizens through research based character development programming. Attendees were encouraged to become more engaged with the organization through mentoring, volunteering, and fundraising. Jaguar, The Gerber Group, Stone Rose, Vision Vodka, Trattoria Cinque, and Alfredo sponsored the event.

More than 39% of students enrolled in the New York City public school system dropped out of school in 2009. The SFK program helps to tackle many of the issues that contribute to the dropout rates and gives students empowers students to stay in school through curriculum based in character development activities. SFK New York currently serves more than 1,000 students in eight schools throughout New York City and has served nearly 8,000 since opening its doors in 2004.

"With continued support of the young professionals who attended this event our children will be inspired to be successful, productive individuals who will one day be business professionals, government and community leaders and more," said Jennifer Weil, Executive Director of SFK New York.

Held at the world-renowned Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner Center, the reception was emceed by DeMarco Morgan, Anchor and Reporter, WNBC4 New York. Guests enjoyed complementary cocktails provided by Vision Vodka with The Inner Compass Cocktail signature drink and hors d'oeuvres by Trattoria Cinque and Alfredo restaurants. Music spanning the genres of pop, world music, alternative and hip-hop was provided by DJ CEO.

"New York is often called the capital of the world. There is a world of opportunity for the children who will grow up in this city and will one day be its leaders," Dwayne Ashley, CEO, Global Operations, SFK-Success for Kids, said. "The work that Jennifer Weil and her team do every day positively impacts the children, families, communities and future of New York City."

The event included a raffle for a chance to win a weekend Jaguar experience, an Apple iPad provided by Boomset, and a Barbados vacation package provided by the Barbados Tourism Board for its Food, Wine & Rum Festival (November 18-22).

Host Committee: Donna Adan - Event Chair, Fabrice Armand, Tai Beauchamp, Sharon Bridbord, Calcie Cooper, Keenan Davis, Brad Farber, Jacob Gitzis, Gary Grant, Latoya Henry, Andrea Hoffman, Andrea Price, Luca Sacchi, Joseph Sarmiento, and Jessica Young.

For photos from the event, please contact, Latoya Henry at latoya@latoyahenry.com or 646.382.4511. For more information about Success for Kids New York go to http://sfk.org/en/location/new-york.

Success for Kids, Inc. (SFK), an international non-profit organization, is dedicated to empowering at-risk children and adolescents to become resilient, productive citizens by delivering innovative research-based programs that enhance four personal strengths (interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, problem solving skills and self-sufficiency) and give students a greater sense of purpose in their lives. With a dedicated staff of more than 100, SFK is the largest international social emotional learning organization in the world. Since its inception in 2001, SFK has provided more than $25 million in programmatic support having an impact on more than 60,000 children and adolescents. SFK is a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization.