Outward Bound USA Home
2025 Gala Raises Over $1.3M for NYC Students
The evening honored longtime supporter Jeffrey Gural and Board Chair Gifford Miller for their leadership and dedication to educational equity.
On Monday, May 12, NYC Outward Bound Schools hosted its annual fundraising Gala, honoring Jeffrey Gural and Board Chair Gifford Miller for their extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to educational equity in New York City.
Held at Tribeca Rooftop and attended by nearly 300 guests, the event raised over $1.3 million in support of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission to bring Crew, challenge, and community to public schools across the city.
The evening was co-hosted by three student emcees: Joseph Chavez, Diana Ramirez, and Katy Weng. Each of them shared powerful reflections on how NYC Outward Bound Schools has shaped their experiences, identities, and futures. Their stories brought to life the impact of the organization’s work in fostering belonging, purpose, and deeper learning across its network.
The event also recognized Rachel Demalderis, a veteran Special Education English Teacher at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens, as the recipient of the 2025 R. Gaynor McCown Excellence in Teaching Award. Rachel was honored for her equity-driven instruction, her commitment to student self-advocacy, and her leadership in building inclusive and empowering learning communities.
This year’s honorees exemplify civic leadership and deep dedication to the public good:
Jeffrey R. Gural, Chairman and Principal of GFP Real Estate, has supported a wide range of educational, cultural, and civic causes throughout his career. A longtime champion of equity and access, Jeff serves on the board of NYC Outward Bound Schools and many other nonprofit organizations.
Gifford Miller, Chair of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ Board of Directors, has led transformational urban development projects and remains an active force in public life. A former Speaker of the New York City Council, Gifford has championed initiatives that strengthen communities, create opportunity, and center young people’s success.
Together, these leaders joined students, educators, and supporters in making the 2025 Gala a powerful celebration of what is possible when we come together in support of public education.
Funds raised through the event will help NYC Outward Bound Schools continue to coach educators, support Crew advisory programs, and provide outdoor adventure experiences that challenge students to discover their full potential.
Gala 2025 Photo Gallery
/
Many thanks to our Gala Chairs and Vice Chairs!
Gala Chairs
- Carole & Norman Barham
- Vicki & David Foley
- Navah & Robert Frost
- LaRue R. Gibson, Jr./ LRG Wealth Advisors
- Jane Greenman
- Sari Granat & Timothy Greensfelder
- Paula & Jeffrey R. Gural
- Alphonse Lembo
- John Mahoney
- Leigh & Patrick McKegney
- Pamela & Gifford Miller
- Nancy & Burt Staniar
Gala Vice Chairs
- Andrew Albstein
- Dwayne Andrews
- Gregory & Demetria Bauso
- Madaleine Berley
- Jacqueline Flake & David Dase
- Patricia L. Francy
- Lisa Hernández Gioia & Eric Gioia
- Rachel Loeb & Zachary Black
- Lisa V. Moran/EPG LLC
- Joel Perelmuth
- Suzanne & Ravi Yadav
Watch Video Highlights from the Gala
play
Honorees Jeffrey Gural and Gifford Miller share reflections on leadership, public service, and why they support NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission to create more equitable, empowering learning opportunities for all students.
Hear powerful reflections on community, growth, and purpose from student speakers Diana Ramirez, an 11th grader at Leaders High School, and Joseph Chavez, a 12th grader at Validus Preparatory Academy, along with Rachel Demalderis, this year’s Gaynor McCown Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.
Katy Weng, a senior at James Baldwin School, shares her powerful story of transformation — from arriving in the U.S. during COVID with limited English to finding confidence and community through NYC Outward Bound’s programs.
Our new CEO Laurie Adams shares a powerful vision for the future of NYC Outward Bound Schools — one rooted in belonging, equity, and the transformative power of public education.
Go inside a Crew circle and hear directly from students and educators about how this daily practice builds connection, confidence, and community. Support from this event helps us bring the power of Crew to even more students across the city.
/
