The Way to Work Raises Over $400,000 at 75th Anniversary Gala to Benefit Young Adults in New York City

NEW YORK, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Way to Work ("TWTW"), a non-profit organization committed to educating and empowering young New Yorkers, last week raised more than $400,000 at their 75th anniversary gala held at Gotham Hall. It was the organization's most successful fundraiser to date.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the youth workforce development program, which provides educational, vocational, and life-training programs to underprivileged youths in New York City ages 17 to 24.  The Way To Work, formerly Vocational Foundation Inc., was founded in 1936.

At the evening event, hosted by DeMarco Morgan, anchor and reporter at WNBC, TWTW honored Kenneth M. Raisler for his commitment to the organization.  He is the Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2008.  The award was presented by Hector Batista, former CEO of TWTW.  

"There are thousands of young New Yorkers who need someone to believe in them and provide them with a second chance, and The Way To Work does that," said Mr. Raisler.  "The staff are an inspiration to me and I am impressed every day by the commitment our students have to meeting their goals and changing their lives.  The success of our organization – past and present – depends on the generosity of our donors and I thank you for your support of our mission at last week's gala and over the last 75 years."

Speakers at the gala also included several graduates of the TWTW programs highlighting the educational goals and professional successes they have achieved.  A short film featuring students and staff at TWTW was shown during the dinner.  The film was produced by Pureland Pictures.

The evening was highlighted by both a live and silent auction which featured items such as a three-day trip to Imanta Resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico, a three-night stay at a Dromoland Castle in Ireland, and the chance to appear as a zombie on AMC's The Walking Dead. Gala attendees were also able to donate via a "text-to-pledge" campaign that displayed real-time pledges during the event.

The Way to Work provides education and job training, college guidance and job placement, and career counseling and related services to 250 young adults a year in New York City. They have successfully helped over 60% of participants obtain their GED. Over 82% of TWTW graduates have retained their jobs after the first year of employment.

Donations to The Way to Work are still being accepted. Checks can be made out to 'The Way to Work' and sent to:

About The Way to Work

The Way to Work is a non-profit organization committed to empowering young New Yorkers. Since 1936, The Way to Work, formerly Vocational Foundation Inc. (VFI), has created lasting impact among low-income, jobless, out of school youth aged 17-24 in New York City through its free job training, job placement, GED preparation, career counseling, college promotion and other supportive services to help them overcome challenges including young parenthood, substance abuse, foster living and homelessness. For more information visit www.waytoworknyc.org.

SOURCE The Way to Work