Bob Costas, a cornerstone of Safe At Home’s journey, has been with us since the beginning, hosting the New York Gala year after year. As a legendary broadcaster with a career spanning more than four decades, Bob has not only left an indelible mark on sports journalism but has also played a pivotal role in elevating Safe At Home’s mission since its inception. This year, as he prepares for his retirement from broadcasting, we honored his unwavering support and reflected on the profound impact he has made in inspiring others to join our cause.

Joe and Ali Torre took the stage to share updates on Safe At Home’s journey and its growing reach. They spoke about how the organization has expanded beyond classrooms through innovative partnerships, including a collaboration with Minor League Baseball (MiLB). This partnership has introduced Margaret’s Place tools and resources to 45 teams, reaching over 150,000 individuals across the country. Inspired by this success, Safe At Home is now working to bring these resources to Major League Baseball and Little League, with the latter reaching over 1 million coaches and volunteers nationwide to educate them on keeping kids safe.

Maile Zambuto, Safe At Home’s Chief Executive Officer, provided an inspiring update on the organization’s growth and achievements over the past year. By the end of 2024, Safe At Home will have 29 Margaret’s Place programs across three states and three international locations. This includes the addition of nine new programs this year alone, thanks to a multi-year partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Department of Mental Health. Maile also highlighted the success of Safe At Home’s pilot initiative to adapt the Margaret’s Place model for children as young as five years old, demonstrating the ability to address trauma at earlier stages of development.

A video showcasing the “Next Generation of Changemakers” featured Peace Warriors from PS 117, Peer Leaders from MS 217 in Queens, and students from White Plains High School. Their honest reflections on what it means to be a kid today captured the resilience, hope, and determination of the young people Safe At Home serves, underscoring the importance of creating spaces where they can thrive.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when professional baseball pitcher Zac Kristofak shared his deeply personal story. Zac and his brother experienced the tragic loss of their mother to domestic violence. Despite this unimaginable tragedy, Zac has channeled his resilience and determination into rising through the ranks of professional baseball, making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this year. His connection to Safe At Home’s mission and his courage in sharing his story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating spaces for healing, hope, and resilience.

The generosity of attendees shone brightly during the live and program auctions, led by Jamie McDonald, as the audience came together to support Safe At Home’s vital work. Their enthusiasm and commitment underscored the collective dedication to empowering youth and building stronger communities.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this night possible: our Event Committee, Board of Directors, staff, Margaret’s Place counselors, and school principals. Thank you to our sponsors and donors, including our Official Airline Sponsor Delta Air Lines, our media partners at Goodman Media, our photographer John Chan, our production team, our volunteers and security team, and the team at Gotham Hall for their hospitality.

The 2024 New York Gala celebrated not just the progress we’ve made but also the collective commitment to creating a safer, braver future for the next generation. With your continued support, we will ensure every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

Michael Ball • Kyle Driscoll • Frank Longobardi

Howard I. Smith • Gerry Polizzi • Matthew Roux