SCO Family of Services’ Inaugural Inspiration Ball Ignites Hope and Inspires Change for New Yorkers in Need

Garden City, NY – SCO Family of Services, a leading provider of essential human services for more than 125 years, held its inaugural Inspiration Ball – “Igniting Hope and Inspiring Change” at the Garden City Hotel on May 2nd. Funds raised at the annual event will help SCO provide vital services for more than 50,000 children, teens, families, and adults each year across New York City and Long Island.

The evening highlighted the impact of SCO’s work in the community made possible by philanthropic support, and recognized individuals and businesses for their outstanding commitment to advancing the agency’s mission.

“We are so grateful for this evening’s remarkable honorees whose support and dedication help improve the lives of our vulnerable neighbors,” remarked Suzette Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer at SCO Family of Services. “Every day, our team witnesses amazing transformations in our residences, at our schools, and in the communities we serve all made possible because of friends like Luminary Sponsor, First Central Savings Bank, and the support of all our generous sponsors and attendees.”

SCO honored First Central Savings Bank (FCSB), with the Corporate Leadership Award for their innovation and community impact. FCSB President and Chief Operating Officer Paul Hagan and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Michael Serao accepted the award.

“This award is more than just a trophy or a title; it represents guidance, dedication and a shared mission that aligns perfectly to what we stand for at FCSB,” said Michael Serao, FCSB Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, during the evening’s program.

SCO presented the Humanitarian Award to Laura Ensler, a tireless advocate for young children and their families and a longtime supporter of SCO. Ms. Ensler was the catalyst and founder of SCO’s FirstStep NYC Early Childhood Education Center, an innovative early childhood initiative for newborns to age 5 co-located in a NYC public school.

The evening’s guest speaker, Shamise Harvin, Career Readiness Specialist at SCO and 2024 Queens Power Woman Rising Honoree, shared her transformative experience in foster care and her professional journey to ensuring a bright future for youth in care.

Donna Drake, host of the award-winning The Donna Drake Show: Live it Up!, was the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies. Honorees were presented with Special Congressional Certificates from Congressman Thomas Suozzi and Congressman Nick LaLota. SCO was honored to have Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis attend and speak with the young adults in SCO’s Mentored Internship Program. Live music, dancing, a wine pull, and fabulous auction prizes rounded out the exceptional evening.

SCO extends its gratitude to the sponsors, supporters, committee, and volunteers who made the event a success. This year’s leading sponsors included First Central Savings Bank, Central Business Systems, Conway Farrell, Corporate Synergies, DHC, Enterprise Fleet Management, JacksonLewis, Mutual of America Financial Group, Squash Exterminating, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Webster Bank and Del Vino Vineyards. Special thanks to our SCO board members for their leadership and support.