Courtney Richardson, NEW YORK, NY – November 12, 2015: Lucky Strike in Times Square was electric and bustling with over 500 guests as Nessa hosted the 11th Annual Diamond Ball for Harlem RBI, a youth development program based in East Harlem.
Poker chips were stacked, dice rolled, camera lights flashed and bowling pins fell as guests partied for a good cause to the sounds of HOT 97’s DJ KatrinaB. Signature cocktails were cleverly named after baseball and Harlem themes, with a specialty drink sponsored by ZICO Coconut Water.
During a speech, Executive Director Rich Berlin greeted and thanked everyone for their ongoing support of Harlem RBI’s 1,700 youth. He expressed gratitude for Nessa partnering with Harlem RBI, sharing how her influence inspires their boys and girls to strive for greatness.
But the biggest takeaway of the night was Nessa interviewing and meeting with Harlem RBI alumni, Jamie DeJesus and Marleny Heredia. Both thanked the program for helping them to make their dreams to go to college come true.
These Harlem RBI ‘Legends’ expressed to Nessa how the program was like a family to them, supporting their primary education and as college-bound students, helped prepare them for the next chapter in their lives. Now college students, they are happy to be giving back to the very organization that gave so much to them growing up.
A huge success, the event raised over $175,000; with multiple donors stepping up to the plate by participating in a silent auction and bidding on irresistible items like a relaxing spa package at The Peninsula New York and a signed MLB pinstriped jersey from Yankees outfielder, Carlos Beltran.
Nessa was honored to host the 11th Annual Diamond Ball where thousands of dollars were raised and hundreds gathered, all with one common goal – to continue the efforts of ensuring that kids in East Harlem all have the opportunity to Play, Learn and Grow.
To learn more about Harlem RBI, click here.