The evening honored longtime supporter Jeffrey Gural and Board Chair Gifford Miller for their leadership and dedication to educational equity.
On Monday, May 12, NYC Outward Bound Schools hosted its annual fundraising Gala, honoring Jeffrey Gural and Board Chair Gifford Miller for their extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to educational equity in New York City.
Held at Tribeca Rooftop and attended by nearly 300 guests, the event raised over $1.3 million in support of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission to bring Crew, challenge, and community to public schools across the city.
The evening was co-hosted by three student emcees: Joseph Chavez, Diana Ramirez, and Katy Weng. Each of them shared powerful reflections on how NYC Outward Bound Schools has shaped their experiences, identities, and futures. Their stories brought to life the impact of the organization’s work in fostering belonging, purpose, and deeper learning across its network.
The event also recognized Rachel Demalderis, a veteran Special Education English Teacher at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens, as the recipient of the 2025 R. Gaynor McCown Excellence in Teaching Award. Rachel was honored for her equity-driven instruction, her commitment to student self-advocacy, and her leadership in building inclusive and empowering learning communities.
This year’s honorees exemplify civic leadership and deep dedication to the public good:
Jeffrey R. Gural, Chairman and Principal of GFP Real Estate, has supported a wide range of educational, cultural, and civic causes throughout his career. A longtime champion of equity and access, Jeff serves on the board of NYC Outward Bound Schools and many other nonprofit organizations.
Gifford Miller, Chair of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ Board of Directors, has led transformational urban development projects and remains an active force in public life. A former Speaker of the New York City Council, Gifford has championed initiatives that strengthen communities, create opportunity, and center young people’s success.
Together, these leaders joined students, educators, and supporters in making the 2025 Gala a powerful celebration of what is possible when we come together in support of public education.
Funds raised through the event will help NYC Outward Bound Schools continue to coach educators, support Crew advisory programs, and provide outdoor adventure experiences that challenge students to discover their full potential.
Click to enlarge and scroll through select photos:
Many thanks to our Gala Chairs and Vice Chairs!
Gala Chairs
Carole & Norman Barham
Vicki & David Foley
Navah & Robert Frost
LaRue R. Gibson, Jr./ LRG Wealth Advisors
Jane Greenman
Sari Granat & Timothy Greensfelder
Paula and Jeffrey R. Gural
Alphonse Lembo
John Mahoney
Leigh & Patrick McKegney
Pamela & Gifford Miller
Nancy & Burt Staniar
Gala Vice Chairs
Andrew Albstein
Dwayne Andrews
Gregory & Demetria Bauso
Madaleine Berley
Jacqueline Flake & David Dase
Patricia L. Francy
Lisa Hernández Gioia & Eric Gioia
Rachel Loeb & Zachary Black
Lisa V. Moran/EPG LLC
Joel Perelmuth
Suzanne & Ravi Yadav
Watch video highlights from the Gala:
2025 Gala Honorees, Jeffrey Gural and Gifford Miller
Honorees Jeffrey Gural and Gifford Miller share reflections on leadership, public service, and why they support NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission to create more equitable, empowering learning opportunities for all students.
Stories of Impact
Hear powerful reflections on community, growth, and purpose from student speakers Diana Ramirez, an 11th grader at Leaders High School, and Joseph Chavez, a 12th grader at Validus Preparatory Academy, along with Rachel Demalderis, this year’s Gaynor McCown Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.
Student Speaker, Katy Weng
Katy Weng, a senior at James Baldwin School, shares her powerful story of transformation — from arriving in the U.S. during COVID with limited English to finding confidence and community through NYC Outward Bound’s programs.
CEO Laurie Adams
Our new CEO Laurie Adams shares a powerful vision for the future of NYC Outward Bound Schools — one rooted in belonging, equity, and the transformative power of public education.
Council Member Rita Joseph
NYC Council Member and Education Chair Rita Joseph shares why she proudly considers herself an honorary member of the Outward Bound Crew and why Crew is a vital force in student well-being and success.
Crew in Action
Go inside a Crew circle and hear directly from students and educators about how this daily practice builds connection, confidence, and community. Support from this event helps us bring the power of Crew to even more students across the city.