Investing in Hope: buildOn’s 2024 Gala
On November 20th, we gathered at The Glasshouse in New York City for our 33rd annual Gala— an extraordinary celebration of service, education, and transformation, honoring Dow Jones Leadership Institute President Alan Murray. We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make this year’s Gala such a rousing success!
Our Honored Guest: Alan Murray
The evening’s honoree, Alan Murray, brought profound insights from his remarkable career at Fortune Media and his new role at the Dow Jones Leadership Institute when he took the Gala stage. His dedication to exploring the evolving role of business in society, as detailed in his book “Tomorrow’s Capitalist: My Search for the Soul of Business,” resonates deeply with buildOn’s mission of transformative change.
In his speech, Alan detailed his experience serving alongside buildOn students as part of an Immersion in the South Bronx, and how that led to him becoming an integral member of our National Board. For the past two years, Alan has spearheaded buildOn’s Ragnar Relay team, You Can’t Rush Perfection, fundraising and running in the hills of Kentucky and mountains of New Hampshire. We’re so grateful to have him in our movement!
Energy and Enthusiasm: Dr. Meisha Porter
buildOn National Board Member and Visiting Senior Fellow at the Center For Educational Innovation Dr. Meisha Porter helped kick the night off with an introduction during our program, alongside buildOn Chief Development Officer Marc Friedman and U.S. Chief Program Officer Travis Welcome. As always, Dr. Porter brought the energy and enthusiasm and helped hammer home the importance of our work!
Your support this evening is a meaningful investment in hope. —Dr. Meisha Porter
A Transformational Journey: Khadijah Cham
Another powerful moment came from buildOn alum Khadijah Cham, who shared her remarkable journey from local service to global impact. She moved the audience with stories of her first volunteer experience at Tabernacle soup kitchen, and how that led to building schools in Malawi and Nepal. Now a certified nursing assistant pursuing her nursing career, Khadijah embodied how buildOn’s values of empathy and service can shape one’s life path.
buildOn didn’t just teach me to serve; it changed my life. —Khadijah Cham
Igniting Change: Jim Ziolkowski
buildOn Founder and CEO Jim Ziolkowski gave a stirring speech about the interconnected power of service, highlighting the inspiring stories of the many different types of people who make up the buildOn movement. His speech enraptured the audience, and was one of the many highlights of the night.
Jazz and Purpose: Lucky Chops
Guests were led into the theater by Lucky Chops, who performed a New Orleans-style second line. The NYC-based brass band lived up to their reputation, filling The Glasshouse with an infectious blend of jazz, funk, and soul that had everyone dancing on the way to their seats.
After the program finished, Lucky Chops took the stage at the after party and wowed the crowd with their incredible talent and energy. Their commitment to music education perfectly aligns with buildOn’s dedication to building the next generation of leaders, and we were proud to have them at our big night.
The Glasshouse
The stunning Glasshouse once again provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. As guests arrived, they were immersed in the pillars of buildOn—literally displayed on the pillars of the venue! The Manhattan skyline created a dramatic setting as attendees mingled during the cocktail reception, sharing stories and visions for buildOn’s future.
A new addition to the main reception room was our Hope Wall. Attendees shared short phrases about what keeps them hopeful during these increasingly uncertain times, and a visual strategist from ImageThink drew a representation of them on the wall, which was designed to look like a chalkboard. By the end of the night, the wall was filled with inspiring and hopeful messages and drawings!
The format of the Gala continued to evolve this year, fostering meaningful connections among buildOn supporters, students, educators, and community leaders. From the immersive exhibits to the dynamic program, every element of the evening reinforced our shared commitment to igniting a more equitable future.
As we reflect on another successful Gala, we’re filled with gratitude for our community’s overwhelming support and enthusiasm. The funds raised will directly impact our work both in the United States and globally, helping us continue to unite communities through service and education. The evening proved once again that the buildOn movement is stronger than ever, and together, we’re building something truly transformative.
Want to help fund our movement to unite communities through education and service? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support buildOn today.