2023 Christodora Campfire Event Recap
November 2, 2023
There was a pleasant chill in the air on Campfire night — the perfect weather for being indoors, warm, and cozy with friends old and new. Christodora Campfire, our annual gala, returned this year to the University Club on 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan to celebrate our students, supporters, and alumni.
Even before the program and dinner officially began, special touches were sprinkled throughout the evening. Visitors were welcomed by avian artwork produced by our board member, Ms. Genevieve Irwin. Her artwork of these feathered friends was a highlight throughout the evening, with her original paintings a part of our silent auction. We were also delighted to feature goodie bags from Bee University. This non-profit teaches young people about beekeeping, founded by two Christodora alumni, Renel Saint Jour and Tavion Williams.
Celebrations grew more festive as the program began. First, Christodora’s new executive director, Ms. Salma Choudhury-Muro, opened the evening in welcome. Christodora alumna and Principal of Kipp Freedom Middle School in the Bronx, Ms. Amanda Martinez, then held an on-stage fireside chat with two of her students who had just returned from the Manice Education Center to share their reflections on their experience. Jalilah Lockhart and Kofi Appau-Danso spoke of learning about servant leadership, challenging themselves to go outside of their comfort zone, and the impact that small but important changes can have on our environment.
We then welcomed our first honoree of the evening to the stage, Mr. Raymond DiPrinzio. He was honored with the Spirit of Christodora Award for his exemplary leadership, support, and “can-do” spirit. Raymond is the Managing Director, Global Sponsor Coverage, and Co-Head of Infrastructure Finance, North America at Sumitomo-Mitsui. In his remarks, he shared about his childhood growing up on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and how, once upon a time, he might have even become a “Christodora Kid” himself.
The “Living Legacy” award was then given to Ms. Amanda Martinez. As she reflected in her remarks, “By immersing [students] in the natural world, [they] are able to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the larger world. It gives them just enough pause to wake up to their power, to find their voice to advocate effectively, to make decisions with confidence, and to fill their cup so that they can serve others. They are part of something bigger, something beautiful, and it is theirs for joy and protection... that joy is so liberating.”
The evening concluded with our inaugural corporate honoree award, which was bestowed to Roux, Inc. and received by Michael Roux. Roux is listed as a Top 30 All-Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record and celebrated its 40th anniversary just last year. Roux, Inc. began as a single-office groundwater contamination investigation practice founded by Paul Roux. Over the decades, Roux, Inc. has transformed into a larger consulting firm providing a broader array of services working coast to coast. Roux has become a greater supporter in no small part to Christodora alum and Christodora board member Sin Senh.
The evening ended in true Campfire spirit - full of the warmth of community, with friends gathering from near and far to make it a memorable evening. We thank all who supported the event and helped to ensure that Christodora’s programs can continue to reach New York City youth, making a difference in their lives for years to come.
Visit the event page to see photos, sponsors, video clips, and more.