Joyful Occasions: Our History of Impact
We are committed to hosting fun events that lead to meaningful change.
Starting in 2023, we began hosting fun events that have led to meaningful change across New York City through a variety of community events, fundraisers, and programs. Below is a timeline of our impact.
2026
2026 JoyFEST
336 backpack kits, and 250 books given away in partnership with P.S 93 ahead of the 2026 school year, as they look to improve their first day attendance this year.
- Hosted in collaboration with P.S 93 to support students.
- Impact: Provided vital school supplies and books to help boost first-day attendance.
2026 Joyful Occasions Gala
$26,000+ Raised
- Honored our 3 scholarship winners - Joemi Ortiz, Frances Auth, and Yaritza Asencio.
- Impact: Raised over $26,000 to support our future programming and community impact.
3rd Annual March Madness Basketball Tournament
$1,250 Raised for Scholarships
- 50 basketball players from across the five boroughs joined us to help raise $1,250 for scholarships for students from Bronx Science, The High School of Telecommunication Arts & Technology & Midwood High School.
- Impact: Games were intense, but ultimately team OPM won, capturing their second straight March Madness title.
Joyful Connections Speed Dating
$775 Raised
- At the end, they filled out a survey about who they liked, and if 2 people liked each other, they were notified via email.
- Impact: Matches have officially been sent out via email, and funds raised support our program goals listed on the 2026 plans page.
2025
2025 Joyful Holiday Party
588 Items Donated ($7,056 Value)
- Annual holiday celebration held on Dec 11th at Rullo's in Park Slope.
- Impact: Distributed 490 toys & books via Brooklyn Museum's Joy to the Borough and 98 toys & scarves to Graham Windham.
Turkey Bowl 3
$700 Netted
- Held on Saturday, Nov 29th at Prospect Park.
- Impact: Proceeds will be put towards our 2026 programming.
2025 Joyful Thrift
$1,235 Raised
- 2nd annual flea market event at McCarren Park.
- In collaboration with Thrifty Ones.
- Impact: 50% towards programming, 50% donated to We The People NYC.
2025 JoyFEST
360 Backpacks Given Out
- Backpack drive hosted by our Joyful Fellowship program.
- In collaboration with BronxWorks for the Edenwald Houses in the Bronx.
- Impact: 360 backpacks with supplies distributed to the local community.
2025 Joyful Occasions Gala
$10,000+ Netted
- Inaugural gala featuring live music, food, open bar, and the Joyful Futures Scholarship presentation.
- Impact: Funds supported $5,000 scholarship, $2,500 JoyFEST, and $2,500 in extra funding for future programming.
2nd Annual March Madness
$1,000 Raised
- 5v5 basketball tournament held at the Brooklyn "Stuydome".
- Impact: Funds supported the Game Over Hicks Family Foundation to provide scholarships for youth to attend their summer camp.
2024
Holiday Toy Drive
Community Gift Giving
- Donated toys from the holiday party distributed on Dec 24th, 2024.
- Impact: Gifts given out in front of the Children's Museum in Crown Heights.
Joyful Holiday Party
Successful Toy Collection
- Holiday party and toy drive hosted at Rullo's Bar.
- Impact: All donated toys were prepared for distribution to the Crown Heights community.
2024 Annual Turkey Bowl
300 Meals Funded
- A 7-team, flag football tournament.
- Impact: Funds paid for 300 meals given out to NYC residents in need. *Partnered with Mercy Bakery.*
Roots & Dreams Celebration
$1,500+ Raised
- Late September party fundraiser.
- Impact: $1,000 directed to the 2025 Scholarship Fund, $500 benefiting Seeds In the Middle.
Summertime Fundraiser Flea Market
227 Meals & Scholarship Support
- Flea market hosted at MS 51.
- Impact: Half of the funds went to C.H.I.P.S Food Bank (providing 227 meals), and the rest to the scholarship fund.
Joyful Mixer
General Fund Proceeds
- Mixer hosted at Rullo's Bar.
- Impact: Proceeds raised went to our general fund, supporting future programming.
Hoops For Higher Education Tournament
Scholarship Funding
- 3v3 basketball tournament hosted at PS 282 during July 2024.
- Impact: Funds raised went to the Joyful Future Scholarship Fund.
JoyFit Occasions 2
Individual Student Grant
- Yoga session led by personal trainer Tia Brown.
- Impact: Funds were granted to high school student Jodi Douglas to help her compete in the NY Teen Beauty Pageant.
2024 Annual March Madness tournament
$1,500 Raised
- 3v3 basketball tournament held at the "Stuydome".
- Impact: Funds raised for the Game Over Hicks Family Foundation.
Joyfit Occasions
Supported Movie Day
- Yoga and HIIT session led by personal trainer Tia Brown.
- Impact: Funds raised helped cover the costs associated with our Movie Day event.
Movie Day
Free Community Event
- Hosted families for a free screening of Disney's "Wish" at AMC Theatre.
- Impact: Granted underprivileged kids a unique, fun experience for the holidays: a free movie screening in Times Square.
2023
2023 Annual Turkey Bowl
$1,600 Raised
- 6v6 Flag Football Tournament.
- Impact: All funds granted to Neighbors Together.
Kickball Game
$1,270 Raised
- First ever paid event: co-ed kickball game at Prospect Park (11/5/23).
- Impact: Funds raised for Neighbors Together.
End of Summer 2023 Barbecue
Community Building
- Free end-of-summer barbecue for the community.
- Impact: Provided free food, drinks, and a good time for all attendees.
Seb and Rafin's Kickball Game
Community Building
- Free kickball game in Prospect Park during the summer of 2023.
- Impact: A free event organized to bring the community together.