2025 Joyful Occasions Gala

On May 31, 2025, Joyful Occasions proudly hosted our inaugural gala, marking a significant milestone in our mission to give back to NYC’s youth in a fun and inclusive way. 

What made the night so special was seeing people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds coming together with one shared goal: to do good while having fun. Priced at just $100 to make it accessible, this was the first gala experience for most attendees, and possibly the most age diverse crowd you will see at any Gala. 

Even with this affordable price, we netted $10,000—all while providing guests an open bar, free food from seven local vendors, live music performances, an award ceremony, and an electric atmosphere.

Live performances were provided by Mariah Rae, and Zamba 2 Samba, who filled the space with energy, connection, and joy.

A central focus of the evening was the awarding of our Joyful Futures Scholarship, a fund created by Joyful Occasion’s to support high school seniors as they transition into higher education. This year, we were proud to present $5,000 scholarships to two outstanding recipients—Jordyn Chambers and James Walls III—in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to their futures.

As for the $10,000 we netted from the event, these funds were allocated as follows:

  • $5,000 to be used for the 2026 Joyful Futures Scholarship

  • $2,500 directed toward a community meals giveaway in partnership with Neighbors Together, covering the costs of over 600 meals for underserved New Yorkers

  • $2,500 used to support JoyFEST, covering the costs of over 600 backpacks for homeless children

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the local food and beverage sponsors who contributed to the success of the evening:
Breadivore, Konoha Yakitori, Wangz BK, Mr. Wonton, Tropical Treats, Dino BBQ, and Coffee Til Death.

The success of our first gala reflects the power of community and shared purpose. We thank everyone who attended, contributed, and celebrated with us. Together, we are building a joyful future.

  • Breadivore

    Breadivore is a small-batch bakery in South Slope, Brooklyn, blending French baking techniques with Asian-inspired flavors. Known for its signature egg cup—a crispy, croissant-like shell filled with egg, ricotta, and Parmesan—it offers a unique twist on classic pastries. The shop also serves naturally fermented sourdough and baked goods made with care, creativity, and local ingredients.

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  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Gowanus, Brooklyn delivers authentic, pit-smoked barbecue in a spacious, industrial-style setting. Housed in a historic former factory, it’s known for flavorful ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and hearty Southern sides. The vibe is lively and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating, plus options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners. Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite or planning a group outing, Dinosaur offers bold flavors and a true BBQ experience.

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  • Til Death

    Emily and Megan bring over 15 years of combined café experience from Kentucky, Upstate New York, and New York City, with the last five years spent growing and refining their coffee expertise together. Their most recent venture deepened their skills in roasting, menu curation, and developing retail programs—from design to sales. Now, they’ve created Til Death, a unique space in Bushwick where coffee culture meets moto community. Whether you're grabbing a great cup of coffee, catching up with friends, holding a meeting, or wrenching on your bike with shared tools, Til Death offers a welcoming spot for connection and creativity.

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  • Tropical Treats

    Tropical Treats brings the bold, authentic flavors of Jamaica to the streets! Specializing in mouthwatering jerk chicken grilled to perfection, our food cart serves up island vibes with every bite. From spicy to savory, each dish is seasoned with traditional herbs and spices, giving you a true taste of the Caribbean. Come hungry, leave happy—Tropical Treats is your go-to spot for flavorful, feel-good street food!

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  • Mr. Wonton

    Mr. Wonton Chinese & Thai Cuisine brings a satisfying and diverse Asian dining experience to the neighborhood. Nestled at 73 7th Ave, this cozy spot offers an extensive menu featuring Chinese-American favorites—like fried rice, lo mein, and combination plates—alongside authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, Drunken Noodle, Red Curry, and Pan-Fried Noodles.

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  • Konoha Yakitori

    Konoha Yakitori Ramen and Sushi House is a cozy Japanese eatery nestled in Park Slope, Brooklyn, known for its rich ramen, flavorful yakitori skewers, and fresh sushi. With dishes like tender tonkotsu ramen, juicy grilled skewers, and classic sushi rolls, Konoha offers a warm and satisfying dining experience that blends traditional flavors with neighborhood charm.

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  • Wangs

    Wangs is a beloved takeout spot in Park Slope, Brooklyn, offering a fusion of Korean, Southern, and Vietnamese flavors with a focus on fried chicken. Their signature “wangs” are jumbo Korean-style wings glazed in either a spicy hot sauce or a milder option, and they also serve Southern-style fried chicken, sandwiches, and a variety of sides like mac & cheese, grits, and collard greens with Chinese sausage. Known for their crispy, juicy chicken and bold flavors, Wangs has become a go-to for comfort food enthusiasts.

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