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More than 350 supporters attended Beginning with Children Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on June 17 at the Plaza Hotel. Mayor Michael Bloomberg opened the evening by congratulating Joe and Carol Reich via a pre-recorded video on their two decades of leadership in education reform and pioneering contributions to the charter school movement.
The rest of the evening was hosted by Omar Lopez, a member of the first graduating class at Beginning with Children Charter School (BwCCS), and a recent Harvard graduate who announced that he will return to the community as a 5th grade teacher in the fall.
Lopez was assisted by Nicolai Celestain, a 4th grader at Community Partnership Charter School (CPCS) and a member of the debate team, who graciously introduced the honorary speaker of the night, Chancellor Joel Klein of the New York City Department of Education.
Kevin White, BwCF Board Chair and Managing Partner at Spring Hill Capital Partners, also congratulated Joe and Carol on their many accomplishments through the years.
In addition, BwCF educators, students and their families, and community members were recognized for their efforts, including founding BwCCS Principal Sonia Ortiz-Gulardo.
Thank you to the corporate, philanthropic, community and civic leaders who supported this event. With more than $1.1 million raised, the event was truly a success and will help improve public education for the children who need it most.
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