Photo Album 3: Dinner, Auction, Award

On Friday, May 19, 2023, Carver's annual Child of America gala took center stage at Shorehaven Golf Club, captivating guests with an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, gratitude, and community celebration. With a stellar lineup of speakers and honoree Dr. Danielle Robinson, the event showcased the collective efforts to support Carver's mission of empowering and transforming the lives of young individuals. We send a heartfelt thank you to all the remarkable individuals who contributed to the success of this grand affair.

COCKTAIL RECEPTION: The evening commenced with a lively cocktail reception that set the tone for a night to remember. Attendees were warmly greeted by the Gala Co-Chairs, Kim and Drew Seath, whose dedication and commitment were instrumental in bringing the event to life. As our old and new friends mingled and exchanged enthusiastic conversations, the stage was set for the first captivating performance by the incredible Carver alumna (and former “The Voice” contestant) Berdine, whose melodic tunes created an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

DINNER AND PROGRAM: Following the cocktail reception, guests were invited to take their seats for an exquisite dinner while immersing themselves in an engaging program. The event was masterfully hosted by Jack Ireland, a talented Carver student who flawlessly guided everyone through the night's proceedings. The Reverend Dwayne McClary delivered a heartfelt invocation, setting the stage for an evening focused on the power of unity and community.

Novelette Peterkin, CEO of Carver, shared her heartfelt remarks, expressing her gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the organization's success and underscoring the significance of their support in transforming the lives of our young individuals. The audience was then treated to the inspiring Alumni Reflections by Dejanah Lorthe, a former Carver student about to enter medical school who shared her personal journey and highlighted the transformative impact of Carver's programs and a special four-year college scholarship she received.

The powerful "Through Our Lens" video presentation captivated the room, showcasing the incredible work and accomplishments achieved by Carver's students and the unwavering dedication of the organization's supporters. The video served as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and empowerment to create a brighter future.

DINNER RECEPTION: The dinner itself was a culinary delight. Amidst the delightful cuisine, Drew Seath, one of the Gala Co-Chairs, took a moment to express gratitude for the generous contributions and support that made the evening possible.

The captivating Summer Learning and Joy Video further demonstrated Carver's commitment to fostering a love for learning and creating joyful student experiences. The video highlighted Carver's diverse range of summer educational activities and enriching experiences to empower students and help them unlock their full potential.

Paddle Raise & Live Auction: Auctioneer Charles Antin presented the Paddle Raise and Live Auction, where guests enthusiastically raised their paddles to give more than $100,000 to the Carver's mission. This spirited fundraising segment showcased the generosity and compassion of the attendees, underscoring their commitment to investing in the future of young individuals.

CHILD OF AMERICA AWARD: The Child of America Award was presented to Danielle M. Robinson, PhD, Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Diageo North America. This esteemed recognition celebrated Dr. Robinson's outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change within communities. LaTanya Langley, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Edgewell Personal Care was honored to present this well-deserved award, acknowledging Dr. Robinson's exemplary dedication, inspiring leadership, and longtime personal friendship.

IN CLOSING: As the evening drew to a close, Phil Butterfield, President of Carver's Board of Directors, delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone who attended the gala and highlighting the incredible friendship and generosity that constitutes the Carver community!