Presenations at the Annual Benefit ranged from keynote
speaker Mitch Albom (left) to Jumpstart Corps members
and children (right)
Annual Benefit Celebration (Boston) On April 5, over 500 guests gathered to celebrate at Jumpstart’s Annual Benefit Celebration in Boston. Presented by Berkshire Partners and MFS Investment Management, the event honored the work and service of Rob Waldron, former CEO of Jumpstart, and Action for Boston Community Development, longtime Jumpstart community partner. Special presentations by Jumpstart Corps members and children and a keynote address by best-selling author Mitch Albom highlighted the lifelong impact a caring adult can have on the life of a child. Jumpstart extends a special thank you to the evening’s presenters and guests who helped to raise over $500,000 to support Jumpstart’s work with children!
Scribbles to Novels (New York City)
On April 19, Jumpstart’s Mid-Atlantic Region hosted the 3rd annual Jumpstart New York Scribbles to Novels, a cocktail reception and gala benefit raising nearly $600,000 for the advancement of Jumpstart’s programming, exceeding the 2006 mark of $450,000. 350 attendees gathered at the cocktail reception and dinner gala, held at the glorious Puck Building anchored by critically acclaimed best selling authors Candace Bushnell, Garrison Keillor, Jacki Lyden, and Toure. The event honored long standing corporate partner Pearson, a multi-million dollar supporter of Jumpstart since 2001 and sponsor of the Pearson Teacher Fellowship, which inspires Jumpstart’s Corps members to choose careers as early childhood teachers in low-income communities. Jumpstart New York presented Pearson representative, Bill Barke, with the “Social Change Award” for their superior level of support to Jumpstart’s mission and sustainability. Jumpstart New York also honored David Stadler, in-kind supporter and Regional Advisory Board Member, with the “Champion Award” for his outstanding service to Jumpstart and his commitment to furthering its mission. The award was presented to David by his brother, Jumpstart supporter and member of the National Board of Directors, Chris Stadler.
The dinner program culminated with award recipient Bill Barke announcing the date and plans for 2007’s installment of the groundbreaking annual campaign – Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. The book drive that followed contributed nearly $70,000 toward the event revenue.
From the New York City Scribbles to Novels event (from left to right): Robert Sabuda (guest author), Toure (guest author), Jacki Lyden (guest author), George Askew (Jumpstart's CEO and President), Robin Gould (guest author), Garrison Keillor (guest author), Jennifer Marrus (Chair, Jumpstart's Mid-Atlantic Regional Advisory Board), Lorie Almon (Jumpstart's Mid-Atlantic Regional Advisory Board)
Scribbles to Novels (San Francisco)
On May 3, Jumpstart’s Western Region hosted its fabulous annual fundraiser, Scribbles to Novels, at the Carolands Chateau in Hillsborough, CA. 150 attendees enjoyed cocktails and dinner at the Carolands, the largest private residence west of the Mississippi, and listened to presentations by Marissa Moss, author of the popular Amelia’s Notebook series for children, and Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner. Jumpstart Corps member Sabrina Aranda shared her powerful story about the benefits of Jumpstart for both children and the college students who serve them, and event emcee Ayelet Waldman, Jumpstart Western Regional Advisory Board Member and author of the Mommy Track Mysteries, encouraged attendees to contribute to a challenge grant which will help Jumpstart launch new sites next year at Stanford and UC Berkeley. Overall, the event raised about $130,000 for Jumpstart! It also introduced Jumpstart to representatives from such Bay Area companies as Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and All Stars Helping Kids, among others. Special thanks to event sponsor Franklin Templeton, hosts Greg and Tracy Johnson, Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard, and Ayelet, Sabrina, and Khaled, a practicing physician and bestselling novelist whose compelling speech captivated the audience.
