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Youth Enrichment Services

9th Annual YES Black Diamond Gala is a Success

Posted on April 15, 2019

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) held their 9th Annual Black Diamond Gala on Thursday, April 11 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. The event attracted more than 300 supporters and raised nearly $600,000 for Boston youth. Funds will support YES’s outdoor sports and leadership programs: Operation SnowSports, Outdoor Adventure, Leadership Corps, and College Preparation programs.

YES Leadership Corps teen, Ammal, speaks at the 9th Annual Black Diamond Gala.

YES Board of Directors President, Geoff Soper, and YES Board of Directors member, Chris Peabody, were co-chairs of the event for the evening. Highlights of the YES Gala included Year-Up co-founder, Gerald Chertavian, speaking about the opportunity divide that exists for many young people today.  He remarked that some youth have a “cornucopia of opportunity” while others are left with crumbs.  Gerald and his wife, Kate, have dedicated over 25 years to creating opportunities for young people.

Guests also heard from YES Leadership Corps members, Ammal and Rafaela, who spoke about the positive impact that YES programs have had on their lives.  17-year-old Ammal told the crowd, “I truly would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for YES.”  Long-time YES supporter and Trustee, Joe Hill, received the 2019 Achievement Award.  Event emcee, Doug Lewis, and auctioneer, Glenn Ordway, kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.  We were also fortunate to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Jessie Diggins; Olympic athlete, Trisha Mangan; and US Ski Team athlete, Nina O’Brien attend the event.

Top sponsors of the 9th Annual Black Diamond Gala included Adage Capital Management, The Martin Richard Foundation, Phill & Liz Gross, Carolyn & Jason Soules, Biria & Elaina St. John, Abrams Management Company, Citi, Devonshire Recruiting, David & Mia Fitzgerald, Tom & Flora Karam, Brian Lash & Family, Mark & Wendi McKenna, Bob & Laura Reynolds, RBC Capital Markets, and Meg Reynolds & Skip McKee.

To view photos from the event, click here.