The Boys Club of New York is hosting a unique celebratory evening at MOMA to champion the club’s Arts and Technology Programs. On Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, the visionary chairs of this grand gathering, Meghan Brodsky, Eleanor Edelman, Cosby George, Julia Dean Karle, Stephanie Kearney, Yesim Philip, and Jackie Williams, will paint the town in bold and bright strokes.
The festivities begin in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden which will be buzzing with extra-special excitement. Since its opening in 1939, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden has been one of NYC’s most beloved green spaces. It was conceived as an outdoor gallery for changing installations that would bring nature, architecture, and art together in a new way.
New and long-time supporters will turn up, all turned out, facilitating the organization’s mission to make high-quality after-school and weekend programming accessible to all boys in New York City. BCNY remains true to the vision of philanthropist and entrepreneur E.H. Harriman who in 1876 founded New York City’s first Boys’ Club to provide inner-city boys with a safe haven.
From Jackie Williams, a long-serving member of the Women’s Committee and one of the Chairs: “New York City’s fall scene is back! And BCNY’s Fall Dance is back and filled with excitement. The same can be said for the boys we serve. Our mission remains the same as we look for new parts of the city where BCNY can have an impact with wide ranging programs to meet the needs of all young men.”
Another Women’s Board Member and Chair of the event, Cosby George, commented on the unique venue. “We are thrilled to be hosting the Boys’ Club of New York Fall Dance, I HeART BCNY, at the MoMA as the proceeds of the event will support BCNY’s Art and Technology programs. This venue is a first for our organization. The uniqueness of the spaces and the ability for guests to visit Ed Ruscha / Now Then exhibit will make for an extraordinary, memorable evening.”
It is a felicitous venue in celebration of the BCNY arts and technology programs that encourages boys and young men to tell their stories in unique ways. In the Clubhouses, budding artists of all levels feel comfortable expressing their creativity and sharing their vision in a non-judgmental space. Through programs like music, theater, mural painting, photography and digital art, BCNY members acquire tools to create with passion and confidence.
BCNY member Isaiah shared his experience with the arts program: “At BCNY, I discovered I really love art, dance and film. Karina encourages me along the way and now I attend Art and Design High School, and intern at The Museum of the Moving Image.”
And for what to wear to the fabulous philanthropic affair, we were inspired by the brilliant work of Piet Mondrian from the invitation, so fittingly entitled Broadway Boogie Woogie! We shopped a stunning collection of gowns and accessories to complement the hues.
Bright colors are the rage this season, especially RED. You are going to see it everywhere, so we thought appropriate to feature it at the hottest party of the season. And imagine your holiday fetes and fancies in one of these wrapped packages. And don’t ask why they are all on sale, just take advantage of it!
Post dinner, the dance floor explodes when the Art Enthusiasts’ Young Professional After Party gets started in MOMA’s spectacular Agnes Gund Lobby. Another Chair, Art Advisor Eleanor Edelman, discusses her motivation: “As a new, young member of the committee, it’s been extremely fulfilling to work with the incredible team at BCNY to help develop new and exciting ways to provide essential and dynamic programming for the boys. We hope the upcoming event at MoMA will be a great success and aid us in our mission to continue to support our communities throughout the city.”
After the festivities end at midnight, attendees will depart (glamorously) glowing with pride knowing they have supported the essential programming of an historic institution. Eleanor sums it up beautifully :“Considering my work in the Art industry, I was so excited and inspired to see what an incredible impact some of the club’s more creative outlets are having on the boys, and we look forward to developing these areas further in the coming year and beyond.”
