(Black PR Wire) Harlem, NY – The Apollo proudly announces the success of its annual Dining with the Divas luncheon, which raised over $450K to support The Apollo’s education programs. These initiatives provide over 20,000 NYC students with access to free or low-cost performances at The Apollo each year, as well as offer paid internships and apprenticeships for on-site career training and workforce development in the arts.

Hosted by Bevy Smith, the event, held on Thursday, February 13 transformed the iconic Apollo Theater into a vibrant dining space and featured performances by Junior Scaife and students from C.S. 154, the school has been in partnership with Apollo Education for over 15 years, and music by Angel and Dren.

This year, the luncheon honored Joan Haffenreffer, a dedicated Dining with the Divas co-chair, for her unwavering commitment to the event over the past decade. Inspirational remarks were given by Aurora James, Founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Creative Director & Founder of Brother Vellies; Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Unilever; Tina Perry, President of OWN, Michelle Ebanks; President & CEO of The Apollo and Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer of The Apollo as they celebrated extraordinary women across various industries who serve as role models and mentors.

Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of The Apollo, reflected on the organization's vision and strategic direction for the year: “The forces that seek to divide us and undermine us are real; they have a strategy, but we have one too. Because at The Apollo it’s about the artist and the talent but it’s also about the audience. The audience has their say, and your say matters to us. This year we will do three things: we will focus on deepening our existing relationships in our community and creating new ones, we will leverage our data to drive action, and we will craft messages and opportunities that break through the noise and build momentum. Our work is not responding to political shifts, it's about shaping the future.”

Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer of The Apollo, highlighted the significance of ongoing education efforts: “This event highlights our education programs. And our program has been in effect for the last 20 years. We serve close to 20,000 young people around the city annually through in-school programs, through digital programs, and through programs here onsite at The Apollo. Where we are giving instructions around culture, leadership, and innovation. Divas aren’t just born, they are nurtured and inspired and cultivated and that is what we are doing. Cultivating the next generation.”

Distinguished guests included NYC Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, Janai Nelson, Karol Mason, Tonya Lewis Lee, Susan Kelechi Watson, Thelma Golden, Erika Liles, Jodie Taylor.

Over 350 attendees gathered to celebrate, network, and contribute to The Apollo’s year-round education, community, and performing arts programs benefiting New York City students and families.

SUPPORT

The Apollo’s Dining with the Divas fundraiser is sponsored by Citi, HarborView Equity Partners, and Paramount.

Source: The Apollo