The Joyful Occasions Gala
A Celebration of Community and Impact: May 31, 2025
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.
The Joyful Futures Scholarship
A central focus of the evening was the awarding of our Joyful Futures Scholarship, a fund created by Joyful Occasions 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.
Financial Impact and Allocation
As for the $10,000 we netted from the event, these funds were allocated as follows:
- $5,000Used for the 2026 Joyful Futures Scholarship Fund
- $2,500Used to support JoyFEST, covering costs for 360 backpack kits for children
- $2,500Directed toward supporting our 2026 programming
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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
Til Death Coffee
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.