The Race for Robin Hood team roster is quickly filling up. We have a handful of spots available for those interested running the ING New York City Marathon 2012 on November 4 and in raising money to help New Yorkers in poverty. Click here for more information on how to participate.
[video]
[video]
This year’s event is themed around the subway system, and all the vital connections that the subway (and Robin Hood) make for New Yorkers.
Through the years, we’ve been so fortunate to have the participation of many generous individuals at our benefit event. These people, and many more working behind-the-scenes, help make it truly memorable night.
Tonight, we are thrilled to have Brian Williams and Seth Meyers serve as our hosts for the evening. Previous hosts of the Robin Hood benefit have included Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, Billy Crystal, Mike Myers, and Jerry Seinfeld.
The co-chairs for the evening are Gretchen & Steve Burke (CEO of NBC Universal), Abby & Eli Manning (NY Giants Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP,) and Sheri & Howard Schultz (CEO of Starbucks).
The very first benefit was headlined by The Four Tops. Additional past performers have included The Who, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, James Brown, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Beyoncé. Combined, these acts have sold over 1 billion records. Tonight, Rihanna adds her name to that list.
Thank you to all the famous faces who’ve helped make a difference in the lives of fellow New Yorkers.
Tonight’s Robin Hood benefit marks the 22nd annual benefit for our organization. What started as a small get together which raised $700,000 has grown into a 4,000 person event, raising $47 million in 2011.
Turning the Javits Center into the incredible backdrop for tonight’s program is no easy task. In just 2 short days, we’ve installed 2 miles of truss, which is used to hold the lighting fixtures, speakers and decorative elements. Forty-five separate laptop stations will be used to check-in more than 4,000 expected guests. And approximately 500 dozen subway-themed cookies will be brought out as part of tonight’s dessert.
We are looking forward to an incredible evening. Please follow our twitter account (@RobinHoodNYC) and the hash tag #RHBenefit for updates throughout the night.
[video]
Over our 24 year history, Robin Hood has always helped veterans through the hundreds of programs we support. Over the past few years we’ve been disheartened to see an increasing number of veterans – men and women who raised their hands to serve our country — come to the soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and mental health clinics that we fund.
[video]
Are Great Teachers Born or Are They Made?
Thursday’s Robin Hood Unplugged breakfast featured Norman Atkins, founder of both Uncommon Charter Schools and the Relay Graduate School of Education, the first independent graduate school of education to be newly credentialed in New York in more than 80 years.
Research suggests that the quality of a teacher can make or break a student’s future chances of success. If an average student is exposed to three not-so-great teachers in a row, their performance levels decrease — making it that much more unlikely that they will graduate from high school and essentially eliminating their chances of going to college. However, if a student has three great teachers in a row, their academic performance dramatically increases. Norman described this as a “a relay of great teachers.”
Hear more from Norman Atkins in this video from the 2011 Heroes Breakfast.
CHART: Sanders, W. and Rivers, J. (1996) Cumulative and residual effects of teachers on future student academic achievement. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Value-Added Research and Assessment Center.
Click, Click, Donate.
Organizations, both small and large, are leveraging online tools and social media to better inform their donors and showcase the work they do.
Yesterday our Management Assistance team hosted a workshop for 35 representatives from various Robin Hood funded programs highlighting the importance of online marketing, communication and fundraising. Topics included: website design, blogging, social media, emails and online giving platforms.
Grantee workshops are just one way that Robin Hood enhances our investments and adds value to each dollar donated.