Nonprofit holds inaugural Inspiration Ball in Garden City

SCO Family of Services held its inaugural Inspiration Ball – “Igniting Hope and Inspiring Change”– at the Garden City Hotel on Thursday, May 2, raising funds to help the agency continue to provide vital services for more than 50,000 children, teens, families and adults each year across Long Island and New York City.

The evening highlighted the impact of SCO’s work in the community made possible by philanthropic support, and recognized individuals and businesses for their outstanding commitment to advancing the agency’s mission.

Suzette Gordon, president and CEO at SCO Family of Services, expressed gratitude for the support and dedication of local businesses and community leaders.

“Every day, our team witnesses amazing transformations in our residences, at our schools, and in the communities we serve,” said Gordon, “all made possible because of friends like Luminary Sponsor, First Central Savings Bank, and the support of all our generous sponsors and attendees.”

First Central Savings Bank (FCSB) received the Corporate Leadership Award for their innovation and community impact. FCSB President and COO Paul Hagan and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Michael Serao accepted the award.

“This award is more than just a trophy or a title; it represents guidance, dedication and a shared mission that aligns perfectly to what we stand for at FCSB,” Serao said during the evening’s program.

The event was emceed by Donna Drake, host of the award-winning “The Donna Drake Show: Live it Up!,” and featured guest speaker Shamise Harvin, career readiness specialist at SCO and 2024 Queens Power Woman Rising Honoree, who shared her transformative experience in foster care and her professional journey to ensure a bright future for youth in care.

SCO thanked its sponsors, supporters, committee, board members and volunteers who made the event a success, including First Central Savings Bank, Central Business Systems, Conway Farrell, Corporate Synergies, DHC, Enterprise Fleet Management, JacksonLewis, Mutual of America Financial Group, Squash Exterminating, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Webster Bank and Del Vino Vineyards.To learn more about SCO Family of Services, visit www.sco.org.