An evening of youth empowerment and royal distinction will mark EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S.’s milestone celebration in Great Neck, New York.
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Pay Here Be Bold & Dream Big Benefit Gala • November 15, 2025 RSVP: https://bit.ly/EdeYouthAyesBenefitGala
The 2025 Be Bold, Dream Big Benefit Gala will unfold at Leonard’s Palazzo on November 15, gathering a distinguished circle of community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates united by one mission: empowering young people to lead with confidence and vision. The evening will commemorate EdeYouth’s fifteenth anniversary and Alexander Y.E.S.’s eleventh year of service, honoring their shared legacy of education, mentorship, and family empowerment across the United States and Haiti.
Presiding as the event’s Distinguished Speaker will be His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Global Peace Ambassador, whose lifelong commitment to service and diplomacy reflects the gala’s purpose. His address will focus on global unity, responsibility, and the enduring value of purpose-driven leadership. Known internationally for his advocacy in humanitarian causes and youth development, the Prince’s participation reinforces the event’s stature as both a celebration and a call to action.
The A List entertainment act:
EdeYouth Inc., founded by Betty Aristide-Augustin, and Alexander Youth Etiquette for Success (Alexander Y.E.S.), founded by Annette Runcie, have long served as beacons of mentorship, offering life-changing programs in leadership, etiquette, and mental health for youth ages thirteen to twenty-one. Together, the organizations have built an enduring platform of education and opportunity, saving lives and transforming communities through skill-building and personal growth.
Since its inception, EdeYouth has provided direct support to young people facing significant challenges. Its programs have saved over ninety-two youth from suicide in both the United States and Haiti, helped more than two hundred design and create their own clothing, and guided dozens into entrepreneurship. Several participants have reentered education or found employment after incarceration, an achievement that underscores the organization’s deep commitment to rehabilitation and hope.
At the heart of EdeYouth’s mission lies a belief in transformation through empowerment. Participants gain access to courses in sewing, culinary arts, financial literacy, and professional etiquette, designed to foster independence and confidence. These practical skills serve as tools for self-sufficiency, while the organization’s emphasis on character development ensures that its graduates carry forward a lasting sense of purpose and dignity.
Alexander Y.E.S., honoring the legacy of Alexander Hurd, complements this mission through its etiquette and success training programs. Each year, twelve young men and women complete a mentorship journey that includes workshops in social presentation, professional readiness, and community engagement. The program’s graduates emerge as poised and capable leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Be Bold, Dream Big Gala represents more than an annual fundraiser. It is the culmination of years of progress, reflection, and shared vision. EdeYouth’s founding director, Betty Aristide-Augustin, and co-founder Annette Runcie have built a partnership grounded in faith, cultural pride, and tireless advocacy for young people. Their collaboration has united civic leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs under one common goal: preparing the next generation to lead with courage and compassion.
The gala will highlight the achievements of honorees who exemplify these ideals. Jonathan Otto, CEO and Founder of Red Light, will receive the Transformational Leader Award for his global and local impact. New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis will also be honored for her civic leadership and dedication to youth empowerment. Sarrah-Jeen Delly of Queens Community House will be recognized for community service, while Twyla Carter, Chief Executive Officer of The Legal Aid Society, will receive the Youth Empowerment Award.
Other distinguished honorees include Lovely Paulemon of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Dr. Elizabeth Wellington of Wellie Business Consulting LLC, and Cynthia Marie Footman-Campbell of Emeirelle Boutique On Wheels, The Total Woman Beauty and Wellness. Roger Singh of EmblemHealth will be recognized with the Community Engagement Award, Dr. Guy Aristide of St. Francis Hospital will receive the Beacon of Hope Award, and Simone G. Smith of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and EdeYouth will be honored with the Guardian Award.
The evening will also celebrate emerging leaders and youth awardees whose dedication and achievements reflect the success of EdeYouth’s programs. Alexandra Tonico will be recognized as an Emerging Leader, and Emmanuel Obeissant will receive the Youth Excellence in Leadership Award. The recognition will extend to teachers, counselors, and partners including Dr. Linda Severe Renaud, Katia Marie Lafond, Atoya Green, Johnette Janney, Danni Benson, Sagine Pierre Charles, Chef Basil Jones, Julia McNally, Tyrone Parker, and Aimee Rivera, acknowledging their guidance in shaping young lives.
Music will play a defining role in the celebration. Performing artist TadiaMusic, a Haitian-American singer and Emmy-nominated director and producer, will deliver a performance that honors resilience and creativity. Her artistry, rooted in cultural pride and empowerment, aligns perfectly with the evening’s spirit of progress and unity.
Hosting the event will be Orlandina Balan, founder of The Fitter Woman Inc., who will guide guests through an evening of storytelling and recognition. Her presence will underscore the balance of inspiration and practicality that defines the gala’s atmosphere.
Sponsors Ponce Bank and EmblemHealth will support the event, continuing their longstanding partnerships with EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S. Their contributions have sustained critical programs and ensured the continuity of mentorship, training, and education for youth across diverse communities.
The gala’s organizers have also planned a VIP reception on November 1 in Rosedale, New York, as an exclusive prelude to the main event. There, honorees and distinguished guests will convene to reflect on shared achievements and reaffirm their commitment to youth advancement.
Guests attending the November 15 gala can expect a refined evening filled with inspiring speeches, musical performances, and stories of perseverance. Each segment of the program reflects years of dedication and the power of collaboration between individuals and institutions committed to change.
For Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, whose philanthropic engagements span continents, this appearance represents an alignment of global advocacy with local impact. His dedication to humanitarian diplomacy and his consistent involvement in causes supporting education and peace position him as a fitting figurehead for the gala’s theme.
Under the leadership of Betty Aristide-Augustin and Annette Runcie, EdeYouth and Alexander Y.E.S. continue to stand as examples of what community-driven leadership can achieve. Through mentorship, education, and opportunity, they have proven that when young people are equipped with knowledge and support, they create sustainable change in their families and communities.
The Be Bold, Dream Big Benefit Gala will celebrate not only years of service but the promise of new beginnings for hundreds of young leaders. With the participation of dignitaries, artists, and advocates, the event will serve as a reminder that the work of empowerment continues to thrive through action, compassion, and collaboration.
