East Harlem Council marks 61 years with Manhattan gala

East Harlem Council for Human Services raised $400,000 at its annual gala at Capitale in Manhattan, celebrating 61 years of service to underserved New Yorkers. The event spotlighted the nonprofit’s healthcare, education and social service work while honoring leaders from health care, business and community advocacy. Why it matters: - East Harlem Council for Human Services used the gala to raise money for programs that support underserved communities across New York City. - The nonprofit’s work reaches health care access, education, outreach and social services, giving the fundraiser direct community impact. - The event also reinforced the organization’s role in East Harlem and beyond as it marks more than six decades of service. What happened: - East Harlem Council for Human Services hosted its Annual Gala Celebrating 61 Years on June 14, 2026, at Capitale in Manhattan. - Themed “Saving Lives, Building Futures: Con Corazón y Comunidad,” the event brought together leaders from health care, business, entertainment, philanthropy and community advocacy. - The gala featured a live performance by salsa artist Luis Damon and His Orchestra. - Actor, entrepreneur and community advocate Malik Yoba served as master of ceremonies. - The event raised $400,000 for East Harlem Council for Human Services’ ongoing programs and initiatives. The details: - The gala honored five organizations and leaders for work in health care, community advancement and public service. - Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. - Steven Luciano Rivera, CEO and co-founder of Sentry Management Solutions and CEO and founder of ProHealth Connect, received the Community Trailblazer Award. - NYC Health + Hospitals received the Community Care Champion Award. - Labcorp received the Corporate Responsibility Award. - Hispanic Federation received the Trusted Community Partner Award. - CEO Dr. Adam Aponte said the evening highlighted what communities can do when they unite around service, health care access and opportunity. - The event’s sponsors included ProHealth Connect, Sentry Management Solutions, Steve Madden, Mount Sinai, Hispanic Federation, Labcorp, Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, Emblem Health, VYTL One, Corporate Synergies, Inventa, Oyate Group, Quest Diagnostics, MetroPlus Health, Popular Bank and Gilead. Between the lines: - The gala doubled as a public show of support for the nonprofit’s mission while building momentum for future fundraising. - The mix of honorees and sponsors points to a broad coalition around community health, workforce support and social services in New York City. - The organization is using a milestone anniversary to underline continuity, credibility and staying power in a crowded nonprofit health landscape. What’s next: - East Harlem Council for Human Services will continue supporting underserved communities through its programs and initiatives across the city. - The nonprofit says it will keep expanding access to health care, community resources and social support services. - Its website is more information .