Natasha Lyonne Hosts the Lower Eastside Girls Club’s Annual Fundraising Benefit

Natasha Lyonne Hosts the Lower Eastside Girls Club’s Annual Fundraising Benefit

Long before the Wing opened its doors as a women-only refuge of productivity, there was the Lower Eastside Girls Club, a community center on Manhattan’s Avenue D that serves as a safe haven for young girls in all five boroughs. Since its founding in 1996, the club has grown to offer programs in the arts and sciences as well as in leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness for girls in middle and high school. From coding to cooking, all of its workshops are offered at no cost.

Fundraising is key, and that seemed to be comprehended by everyone in the room at last week’s benefit, where more than $600,000 was raised. The event, which was hosted at the Angel Orensanz Foundation and was bathed in pink lights (the LEGC’s signature color), drew out Cleo Wade, Karlie Kloss, Kimberly Drew, and Dianna Agron, and opened with a step performance from members of the club.

Afterward, the girls spoke for themselves via videos of club members sharing the deep impact the center has made on their lives. There was nary a dry eye in the room when one member announced she had just received a full ride to George Washington University.

Hosted by Natasha Lyonne, the event honored Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (founder and CEO of the Ocean Collectiv); Nessa Diab, Patricia Robinson, and Katrina B (the female leadership of the Know Your Rights Camp); and Colin Kaepernick (for his work of fighting oppression and discrimination of all kinds).

After praising the capability, resourcefulness, and enterprise of the girls in the club, Kaepernick went on to laud the grit of all young girls of this next generation. As he put it, and as everyone felt that night, “It is women that make the movement move.”