Rashid Silvera and Tom Cornish honored for their contributions to the organization’s success

NEW YORK, NY – May 6, 2019 – New York Edge – one of the largest providers of afterschool programs in the metropolitan region –held its annual benefit Wednesday to honor outstanding individuals, board members, and program alumni who have driven the organization forward and to raise funds for the organization’s growing roster of afterschool programs.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised at the luncheon, which was emceed by WABC reporter Bill Ritter and held at The Union League.

“For more than a quarter of a century, New York Edge has been addressing the needs of underserved students by giving them the tools they need to succeed,” said Maureen Fonseca, CEO of New York Edge. “As we continue growing, we will build upon our innovative programs and bridge the opportunity gap for even more young children across New York.”

See the Full Gallery of Luncheon Photos Here

Tom Cornish, COO of BankUnited was presented with The Gold Star Award for his support of access to education in underserved communities.

“Every day this organization gives kids from disadvantaged backgrounds the hope, focus and opportunity they need to succeed,” said Tom Cornish. “If you can positively impact 36,000 kids, and each one of these kids positively impacts another 10 people, the chain will continue and you can change the world. That’s what New York Edge is doing.”

Rashid Silvera, a member of New York Edge’s Board of Directors, was presented with the Excellence in Education Award. Mr. Silvera was a former history teacher and has an Ed.M from The Harvard Graduate School of Education as well as a M.T.S. degree from The Harvard Divinity School. He was a member of the Scarsdale High School History Department for 36 years and has worked as a fashion model for over three decades and has appeared on the cover of GQ, Essence and Code magazines.

“I joined New York Edge earlier this year and have witnessed just how much everyone at this organization cares about improving educational outcomes for under-resourced youth in New York,” said Rashid Silvera. “I look forward to keeping up the good fight to tackle educational inequality and bring fairness to even more students.”

Since 1992, New York Edge has worked to bridge the opportunity gap among underserved students by providing programs designed to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, character, and attitudes for success in life to young people who attend New York City public schools. The organization offers afterschool, weekend, and summer programs in many underserved communities throughout the metropolitan area and currently serves more than 36,000 K-12 youth at hundreds of sites each year. Over the lifetime of the organization, New York Edge has served hundreds of thousands of youth.