Annual New York Gala 2025
Ending the Cycle of Domestic Violence and Abuse Through Education
Under the golden lights of Gotham Hall, the Annual Joe Torre Safe At Home New York Gala gathered friends, partners, and new supporters for an evening that honored our history while looking boldly toward the future. The room carried an unmistakable sense of purpose—a shared belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. It was a powerful reflection of our mission: to end the cycle of domestic violence and abuse through education, creating spaces where care and community can truly change lives.
The night opened with the familiar voice of Bob Costas, the Emmy Award–winning broadcaster whose legendary career has spanned more than four decades, including nearly every major sporting event from the World Series to the Olympic Games. A longtime friend of Joe and Ali Torre, Bob has hosted the Safe At Home Gala since its earliest days, lending his voice and heart to the cause year after year.
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His words carried both reverence and conviction as he reflected on Joe and Ali’s vision:
“We’re here tonight to affirm a simple truth: it is possible to end this cycle, and education remains our most powerful tool.”
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The program unfolded like a conversation between the past and the present. Bob and Joe shared stories from baseball’s most memorable moments—snapshots of teamwork, perseverance, and integrity that mirror the lessons Safe At Home instills in schools today. A short film captured how that mission now stretches far beyond the classroom through Safe At Home’s partnership with Major and Minor League Baseball teams nationwide, bringing messages of safety and respect to families and fans across the country.
Ali and Joe Torre later took the stage to thank the dedicated community that has carried Safe At Home forward for more than two decades—our Board of Directors, school partners, counselors, volunteers, sponsors, and friends. Their message was one of deep gratitude and shared purpose:
“It truly takes a village to make Safe At Home possible—and tonight, that village was right here in this room.”
The evening’s most powerful moment came as we honored Chris Flood, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Verizon Consumer Sales Organization and a devoted Safe At Home Board Member. Chris spoke with striking courage and honesty about his childhood and how those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to creating safer spaces for others. Like Joe, he grew up navigating violence in his home—and it is that lived experience that fuels his unwavering passion for Safe At Home’s mission today.
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“I’ve had the honor of meeting some of the incredible children we work with, and words cannot express the impact Safe At Home has on their lives. These are children who, through no fault of their own, have faced things that no child should ever have to endure. Yet, in their eyes, I’ve seen not only resilience but also a spark of hope that we, as a foundation, are privileged to nurture. And it is that hope that I carry in my heart every day.”
The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation that filled the hall with emotion—a collective response to a story that reminded everyone why this work matters.
CEO Maile Zambuto offered a powerful reflection on what it takes to sustain that hope—the daily work of the counselors who meet students where they are, guiding them toward healing and hope. She grounded her remarks in both urgency and optimism, sharing that Margaret’s Place, Safe At Home’s school-based program, is not only changing lives but serving as a public health solution, reducing trauma symptoms for 96% of students, helping 88% attend class more often, and improving classroom focus and emotional well-being across entire school communities.
Maile introduced a moving video featuring Leslie Cardenas, Em Holy, Stefanie Nolli-Gaspar, Julissa Salas, and David Sewsankar—alumni of Margaret’s Place who have gone on to become educators, counselors, and youth facilitators. Their stories captured the purpose of Safe At Home’s work: the lasting impact of trusted care and the ripple effect of what happens when young people are given space to heal and lead.
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The live auction, led by famed auctioneer Jamie McDonald, brought energy and generosity to new heights. Guests bid enthusiastically on once-in-a-lifetime experiences—from a coveted Saturday Night Live experience to a Royal Highland escape in Scotland trip and a music package featuring the Goo Goo Dolls—all in support of the students, counselors, and school communities who bring Safe At Home’s mission to life.
The night concluded with a performance by The Lords of 52nd Street—Billy Joel’s original band featuring Liberty DeVitto on drums and Russell Javors on guitar. Inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, the legendary group brought their unmistakable New York sound to the stage, filling Gotham Hall with energy and nostalgia.
They were joined by Bernie Williams—four-time World Series champion, five-time All-Star, and Grammy-nominated musician whose number 51 was retired by the New York Yankees. His performance brought the evening to a close with a sense of joy and artistry that perfectly captured the spirit of the night.
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It was a celebration of community, compassion, and the power of education—a reminder that this Safe At Home community continues, year after year, to turn compassion into action. Because of everyone who joined us, more young people will have access to the safety, healing, and hope they deserve—at school, at home, and wherever life takes them.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this night possible—our Event Committee, Board of Directors, staff, Margaret’s Place counselors, and school partners. Your dedication ensures that Safe At Home continues to grow and reach more young people each year.
Thank you to our League Champion Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner and Major League Baseball, and to our Division Champion Sponsors: Liza & Michael Ball, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Kate & Bob Devlin & Family, The Kalafer Family, Clinton Honda, Jaguar Land Rover Princeton, The Somerset Patriots, National Football League Foundation, Alissa & Seth Ruthen, Scotiabank, Starr Companies, Patricia Synhorst & Frank P. Longobardi, TD Securities, The Toner Family, Verizon, and the Wasserman Foundation.
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Special thanks to our production team—John Frazee and Lori Wekselblatt—our Official Airline Sponsor, Delta Air Lines, Goodman Media International, Lindsay Crystal, BirdsNest Foundation, John Chan Photography, Bobby McHugh and the Security Team, all of our volunteers, generous gift bag donors Gorgie and the New York Yankees, and all of our presenters and performers who made the evening unforgettable.
To everyone who joined us—thank you. Your generosity and belief in Safe At Home make this work possible.
