A Night to Remember: enCourage Kids Foundation Gala!
The enCourage Kids Foundation celebrated 40 incredible years of service with a dazzling Gala at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan! This unforgettable evening was a spectacular celebration of resilience, hope, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children in need.
The night sparkled with luminaries from every corner of the industry. They included: Adam Spies (Co-Head Capital Markets, Newmark) presented the Jeffrey Gural Leadership Award to two extraordinary leaders: Brian R. Steinwurtzel (Co-CEO & Principal, GFP Real Estate LLC) and Niraj R. Shah (Partner, Rockwood Capital, LLC).
The one and only Ryan Field, WABC 7 Sports Anchor, kept the energy high as the event’s emcee, alongside the amazing Dinner Chairs – Jeffrey Gural (GFP Real Estate), Tony Fineman (ACORE Capital), and Adam Spies. Together, they orchestrated a night filled with laughter, inspiration, and celebration. Special moments were made as two incredible athletes, Marvin Washington (Super Bowl Champion) and Boyd Melson (former American Boxer), enjoyed the festivities, each reflecting on the importance of this milestone in the lives of so many children.
The night was marked by a moving address from Jean Butler, enCourage Kids’ President & CEO, who shared the inspiring journey of the Foundation. “Tonight, we celebrate not just our achievements but the incredible resilience of the children we serve. Each story, each struggle, and each dream is what drives our mission forward.”
10-year-old Luna Oak captivated the crowd with her story. Born with a rare genetic heart defect and having undergone two open-heart surgeries, Luna shared how the enCourage Kids Teddy Bear Program helped calm her fears before surgery. “My enCourage Kids bear was with me through everything. It made me feel brave,” she said.
The night also featured moving testimonials by the honorees. Niraj R. Shah reflected on the profound impact the Foundation’s mission has had on children’s emotional healing. And Brian R. Steinwurtzel shared a deeply personal story of his family’s experience with the Foundation’s neonatal programs, which helped them leave a lasting, comforting presence for their premature daughters in the NICU. The evening also saw the presentation of the Michele Hall Duncan Humanizing Healthcare Award to St. Mary’s Hospital, in memory of enCourage Kids’ late President & CEO, Michele Hall Duncan, for her tireless work in transforming healthcare for pediatric patients and their families.
