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2009 Benefit May 5th, 2009 - Nearly 350 guests attended the 3rd annual Let’s Get Ready benefit located under the 59th Street Bridge at the majestic Guastavino’s. The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, during which new and long-time LGR supporters met with students and volunteers who proudly shared their stories and LGR memories. While guests mingled and sampled Guastavino’s delicious hors d’oeuvres, many drifted over to the silent auction tables, where they would compete for the highest bid on unique jewelry, artwork, sports memorabilia and fine dining.  Guests were also encouraged to help high school students achieve their college dreams by donating to the Let’s Get Ready “Bridge to College.” For every $500 raised, a student completes an LGR program and is placed on the road to opportunity. As the silent auction and cocktail hour came to an end, guests made their way upstairs as the program and food tasting were set to begin. The Master of Ceremonies was Lynda Bacquero, two-time Emmy-award winning correspondent who has been with the NBC family since 1995. In Ms. Bacquero’s opening remarks, she spoke about her passion for education and commitment to service.  Following Ms. Bacquero’s introduction were Andy Ross, Chairman of the LGR Board, and Lauri Novick, Executive Director of LGR. Each spoke of the importance of education and the mission of LGR, especially during such economic instability, and warmly thanked the guests for their continued support during this particularly difficult time. The first honoree, Stephanie Bell-Rose, Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and President of The Goldman Sachs Foundation, was introduced by former LGR student and current LGR college student volunteer, Roxenna Reyes-Seri. Thanks to Ms. Bell-Rose and the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Let’s Get Ready launched a major New England expansion project which more than tripled the original number of students served in New England. With the support of the Goldman-Sachs foundation, in 2009 alone LGR is on track to serve 950 high school students and engage 400 college student volunteers throughout 4 New England states.  Jerricho Cotchery, wide receiver and key play maker for the New York Jets, was also presented with an award for his outstanding athleticism and for serving as a positive role-model for his fans. In 2007, Mr. Cotchery established the Cotchery Foundation to “inspire children to conceive and achieve goals by providing programs and services designed to enhance their futures.” Jerricho is the second youngest of thirteen children and proud father of his daughter, who he recently adopted with his wife, Mercedes.
The program ended with inspired stories from LGR students and alumni, many of whom are first-generation college students currently enrolled in a wide variety of universities and colleges.
Thank you to our honorees, guests, restaurants and their staff, committee and board members, students, volunteers, and LGR staff for making Let’s Get Ready’s 3rd Annual Benefit a complete success!
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