Culture for One’s Gala Raises $350K to Bring Art to Foster Youth
Culture for One, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children in foster care through arts and cultural experiences, held a successful gala with the support of Bergdorf Goodman. The event raised over $350,000 and attracted notable guests to the Edison Ballroom.
The gala featured enchanting performances by children from the Harlem School of the Arts and Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy. These young talents captivated the audience, showcasing the impact of Culture for One's programs.
Bergdorf Goodman's chief retail officer, Melissa Xides, accepted the Inspiration Award on behalf of the company. The retailer's ongoing support has been instrumental in Culture for One's growth and recognition. Through Bergdorf Goodman's backing, children in Culture for One programs have attended exclusive events like 'Cookies With Santa' and performed outside the iconic Fifth Avenue store.
Executive director Susan Kasarsky, who has led the organization since 2018, encouraged attendees to support Culture for One throughout the year. With over 3,000 students benefiting from the nonprofit's programs annually, Kasarsky emphasized the importance of continued support to reach even more children in foster care. As of late 2023, there were 6,503 children in 24-hour foster care in New York City, highlighting the vast potential for Culture for One's impact.
Culture for One's gala raised a substantial amount for arts scholarships, cultural excursions, and creative arts workshops. Bergdorf Goodman's Inspiration Award and ongoing support have been pivotal in the nonprofit's growth and recognition. With the potential to reach more children in foster care, Culture for One looks forward to continued support and expansion of its programs.