A landmark benefit gala in New York will honor fifteen years of EdeYouth Inc. and eleven years of Alexander Y.E.S. Inc., marking a legacy of youth leadership and community transformation.
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck will open its doors to an evening of celebration, reflection, and purpose as EdeYouth Inc. and Alexander Y.E.S. Inc. present the Be Bold and Dream Big Benefit Gala. This milestone occasion brings together educators, philanthropists, business leaders, and public servants to support programs that nurture young minds, empower families, and foster sustainable change across communities in the United States and Haiti.
At the center of the evening’s program will be His Highness and Excellency Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, who will serve as Distinguished Speaker. Recognized globally for his humanitarian and cultural contributions, Dr. Prince Mario-Max brings an international perspective to an event that celebrates vision, unity, and service. His leadership as a Global Peace Ambassador and his achievements as an author, television host, and philanthropist align with the gala’s mission to inspire a new generation to dream beyond boundaries and lead with integrity.
The partnership between EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S. has become a beacon for youth-focused collaboration. Since hosting their first joint gala in 2013 and formally partnering in 2016, the two organizations have built a foundation of programs dedicated to education, leadership training, mental health advocacy, etiquette development, and vocational empowerment. Their shared commitment continues to open opportunities for young people while strengthening families through mentorship and skills development.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
This year’s gala will highlight the success stories that have emerged through these initiatives. Many participants have gone on to pursue higher education, community leadership, and entrepreneurship, with some alumni now building small businesses and vocational enterprises in Haiti. The event’s proceeds will directly fund scholarships for students and support new vocational initiatives, including a salon project in Haiti designed to create employment pathways for young adults.
The gala will also pay tribute to a distinguished roster of community leaders and honorees whose service and advocacy have shaped the region’s civic and cultural landscape. Past honorees include Hon. Pernel Charles Jr., MP, JP; Michelle M. Stoddart; Pastor Mullery Jean-Pierre; Hon. Alision Roach Wilson; Hon. Farah N. Louis; Hon. Selvena Brooks-Powers; and Grammy-winning producer Jerry Wonda Duplessis. Their continued involvement reflects the event’s longstanding tradition of celebrating those who invest in humanity’s collective progress.
EdeYouth’s Founder and Executive Director, Betty Aristide-Augustin, and Alexander Y.E.S. Founder and Executive Director, Annette Runcie, have led their respective organizations with an unwavering focus on youth advancement. Their leadership has built a bridge between two nations through education and empowerment. Together, they have developed sustainable programs that encourage resilience, creativity, and purpose among the young people they serve.
A Gathering for a Greater Good
The Be Bold and Dream Big Benefit Gala is expected to bring together a wide spectrum of supporters, from elected officials and cultural advocates to business executives and community organizers. The event’s setting at Leonard’s Palazzo offers an elegant backdrop for an evening filled with shared values and collective vision. Guests will enjoy a curated program featuring live entertainment, youth showcases, and tributes to outstanding contributors who embody the spirit of generosity and leadership.
At its heart, the gala represents more than an annual celebration. It is a statement of hope for the next generation. Every contribution and every shared story strengthens the impact of EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S., reaffirming their shared mission to build a future where education and empowerment are accessible to all.
Both organizations have demonstrated how sustained dedication can transform communities. Their programs in leadership and life skills continue to reach underserved populations, offering structure and encouragement to those who often face limited access to resources. The result has been a growing network of confident, educated, and socially engaged young people who are now contributing meaningfully to their families and local economies.
The Power of Partnership
Since the inception of their alliance, the collaboration between EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S. has been defined by measurable outcomes and enduring impact. The organizations’ joint initiatives have included workshops in career readiness, cultural appreciation, financial literacy, and community advocacy. Each program reflects their understanding that true empowerment requires both education and opportunity.
The leadership of Betty Aristide-Augustin and Annette Runcie continues to drive this mission forward with vision and consistency. Their shared belief in empowering youth through education and mentorship has become the cornerstone of both organizations’ success. The Be Bold and Dream Big Benefit Gala is their way of bringing together partners, donors, and friends to recognize this journey and to invite new supporters to join in sustaining the work.
The evening will also include expressions of gratitude to the many volunteers and sponsors who contribute to the cause throughout the year. Their involvement ensures that the outreach programs remain active and that more youth receive access to education and guidance that can shape their future.
A Night to Remember
For the guests attending, the gala offers more than a social occasion. It is a reflection of how individual actions can come together to make a meaningful collective difference. Through inspiring stories, cultural performances, and moments of recognition, the Be Bold and Dream Big Benefit Gala stands as a powerful reminder that leadership begins with compassion and commitment.
This year’s event is expected to attract a distinguished audience who share a belief in the power of youth as catalysts for progress. By celebrating fifteen years of EdeYouth and eleven years of Alexander Y.E.S., the gala honors both history and promise. Each speech, performance, and presentation will underline the evening’s central message: that bold dreams, when supported by community, become achievable realities.
For more information or to RSVP, attendees can visit the official registration page at https://bit.ly/EdeYouthAyesBenefitGala.
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Ede Youth Gala Celebrates Vision, Empowerment, and Community
Each year, the Ede Youth AYES Annual Benefit Gala brings together a circle of changemakers united by a shared purpose: to invest in the potential of youth through opportunity, mentorship, and education. The event has evolved into a defining moment of elegance and purpose, gathering philanthropists, community leaders, and young innovators under one vision of progress.
At its core, the Ede Youth organization was founded to elevate and empower, creating pathways for education and employment that transform lives. Through its AYES initiative, it continues to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, offering young people the resources and networks they need to build sustainable futures. The annual gala embodies this mission, serving as both a celebration of milestones and a vital fundraising platform that ensures continued support for youth programs throughout the year.
The benefit gala is more than an evening of glamour. It stands as a statement of shared commitment to social progress. Guests arrive with enthusiasm, dressed for a night that blends refinement with purpose. The program opens with recognition of the achievements of the year, spotlighting young leaders whose dedication exemplifies the values of Ede Youth. From those who have excelled academically to those leading community-driven projects, each story reflects the organization’s dedication to mentorship and advancement.
Central to the event is the recognition of sponsors and partners who make each initiative possible. Through their generosity, scholarship funds are expanded, skill-building programs are enhanced, and youth leadership workshops are developed. Each contribution directly impacts the lives of participants, ensuring that resources reach those most in need of support.
As the evening unfolds, the gala balances formality with a sense of unity. Attendees share in a dinner designed to encourage connection, with conversations that often lead to new collaborations and initiatives. The program features performances and presentations that highlight the creative and professional talents of the youth themselves. Every segment is crafted to honor the community’s achievements and to set the stage for future endeavors.
Beyond the tables and stage, the gala represents continuity. It serves as an annual reminder of the importance of building networks of opportunity for young people. Ede Youth’s leadership continues to expand its impact through partnerships with educational institutions, corporate sponsors, and local organizations committed to mentorship and career development. Each year, the reach of the AYES initiative grows, extending opportunities into new communities and industries.
Substantial attention is given to inclusivity and empowerment. The programs supported by gala proceeds reach youth from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing equality in access to resources and training. The emphasis on collaboration ensures that success is shared and that each participant feels supported on their path forward.
Corporate and individual sponsors are acknowledged not only for their contributions but for their vision in supporting sustainable community development. Through dedicated sponsorship tiers, businesses and individuals engage with the mission at a meaningful level, aligning their brand or personal values with tangible social impact. Sponsorship benefits often include visibility at the event, opportunities to connect with emerging leaders, and recognition across Ede Youth’s platforms. More importantly, they provide the financial foundation that makes each success story possible.
The benefit gala also serves as a cultural gathering, reflecting the heritage and shared values that define Ede Youth’s identity. Music, art, and celebration form a bridge between generations, reminding guests that cultural appreciation is a key element of empowerment. Every performance and presentation underscores the importance of pride, resilience, and vision in the journey toward collective advancement.
Throughout its history, the gala has become a highlight of the philanthropic calendar, drawing consistent support from community members and leaders who recognize the value of long-term investment in youth. The AYES program’s results speak through the lives it has touched, from students securing scholarships to young professionals finding mentorship that propels them into leadership roles.
Each year’s edition builds on the last, with expanded goals and new avenues of engagement. The organizing committee works with precision to ensure that every detail, from the visual presentation to the structure of the program, aligns with the broader mission of empowerment. The dedication of volunteers, staff, and supporters reinforces the event’s credibility and its significance as a force for good.
Educational development remains a key theme throughout Ede Youth’s work. Funds raised at the gala support initiatives that provide tutoring, leadership training, entrepreneurship guidance, and career readiness programs. These opportunities allow participants to move confidently toward independence, equipped with the skills and support necessary to thrive.
In addition to financial assistance, the organization focuses on mentorship as a central pillar. Through one-on-one guidance and structured group programs, Ede Youth connects participants with professionals and community leaders who help them navigate personal and career challenges. This structure fosters a sense of accountability and confidence that extends well beyond the classroom.
The gala is also a showcase for progress. Video presentations, live testimonials, and interactive moments allow guests to witness the tangible outcomes of their contributions. Each story presented is a reflection of resilience and transformation. Together, they form a narrative of progress that continues to expand with each passing year.
Behind the formalities, the event’s success is driven by a team deeply committed to the vision of empowering youth. Their collective effort ensures that every attendee leaves with a sense of connection to the mission, inspired by the stories shared and motivated to contribute further.
As the evening concludes, the shared energy of the room reflects a collective understanding that the work continues beyond the gala. Each participant carries forward the message of opportunity, acting as an ambassador for the values of education, leadership, and inclusion.
The Ede Youth AYES Annual Benefit Gala remains a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets dedication. Through collaboration, philanthropy, and community engagement, it continues to open doors for the next generation, creating a legacy rooted in empowerment and progress that will continue to grow for years to come.
