The New Yorkers for Children held their annual Spring Dance at the Mandarin Oriental. This is a great charity and also one of the great events of the season — especially for the younger crowd (20- through 40-somethings) in today’s social New York. It’s also a major fashion evening, as the young women dress to kill — and they knock ‘em dead. It’s also a dance, as well as a fund-raiser with an awards ceremony. Everyone has a good time and they dance the night away.

New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) was founded in 1996 by former Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services Nicholas Scoppetta, as the non-profit partner to Children’s Services. I think I went to their first benefit — a dinner at the Chelsea Piers. I was invited to that dinner by Beth DeWoody to “see this new organization.” Oscar de la Renta was also one of the founders. Beth is now Secretary on the board. Susan Burden, who is also actively involved in the Carter Burden Center for the Aging, is Vice President, and its president is Commissioner Scoppetta.

NYFC focuses on assisting on young people leaving foster care and attending college. The funds raised goes to college scholarships tutoring programs, job training, network opportunities as well as purchasing computers and other supplies for those attending college. The idea is simple: make a difference in a life — give these kids a boost going out into the world on their own. Mr. Scoppetta knows about this life: he was one of those kids.

In the years since, the organization has grown in membership and achievement because of efforts of people volunteering. Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and her friends have been a force in bringing about the success of these galas. That’s work and commitment. They got results.

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1907947