Chris Evert Honored by Breakthrough New York

Breakthrough New York raised nearly $780,000 at its Fourth Annual Gala in mid-April, as it honored three inspiring leaders: Grand Slam Winner and ESPN Analyst Chris Evert, Credit Suisse Managing Director Maria Chiodi, and Edgehill Endowment Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner D. Ellen Shuman.

Approximately 400 attendees were at the Gala, held at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan, and the event was chaired by Maria Hackley, Bonnie Litt, Alisa Mall, Nina Saslove and David Sherman. A special recognition was made for Liz Sherman in celebration of her years of dedication and leadership as Breakthrough New York’s Board Chair.

“No kid is ever going to feel alone because we have the collective power of the Breakthrough family and everyone in this room to cheer them on,” said Rhea Wong, who marked her 10th year as executive director of Breakthrough New York. “We are the change. We are creating the ripples of impact throughout the lives of our kids. We are Breakthrough strong.”

Gala attendees also were pitted against students in an engaging trivia competition, Are You Smarter Than a Breakthrough New York Student?, which was won by BTNY eighth grader Ellis Wu.

Breakthrough New York celebrated the work of three individuals who have shown a commitment and enthusiasm to support student success.

Evert, winner of 18 Grand Slam tennis titles and ESPN Analyst, set an astonishing number of records during her career, including a 0.904 winning percentage, the highest in tennis history. She is credited with helping to build women’s professional tennis, and since her retirement, has shown an outstanding commitment to social causes, primarily in service of children.

At the event, Ms. Evert was interviewed onstage by two Breakthrough students about her career, and offered advice on how to succeed on and off the court. To the audience, she said, "Everybody needs to give back and this is the best way: To give back to kids."

The evening’s other honorees were Maria Chiodi, managing director of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, and D. Ellen Shuman, co-founder and managing partner of Edgehill Endowment Partners.

Choidi is a first-generation American, and was the first in her family to graduate from high school, attend college and later earn a law degree. She believes in the power of education to change lives and her professional achievements are a testament to that.

Shuman has spent her entire career working with non-profit institutions. Her investment strategies have been an asset to colleges, foundations and other mission-based organizations that benefit society as a whole and create opportunities for countless individuals.

Credit all photos to Sai Mokhtari & Andrew Kist

The packed ballroom of 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan

David Sherman, Jessica Velesaca and Elizabeth Sherman pause for a photo

Honoree Chris Evert was interviewed onstage by Breakthrough New York students Trevon Robrt-Walker and Fatoumata Soumare 

Breakthrough New York student Ellis Wu, winner of the “Are You Smarter Than a Breakthrough New York Student?” competition 

Bonnie Litt, Maria Chiodi (Honoree), D. Ellen Shuman (Honoree), and Alisa Mall gather for a photo 

Rob Wolk and Quentin Chu pause for a photo 

D. Ellen Shuman (Honoree), Maria Chiodi (Honoree), Chris Evert (Honoree), and Rhea Wong