The Giving Back to Community Corp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elmont, hosted an annual gala on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 5 p.m. at Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck. The organization was founded in September 2009 by Emilian Emeagwali.
This year’s gala’s theme was “Seeds of Change: Small Acts, Big Impact.” It focused on fundraising, supporting the community, and recognizing donors. Emeagwali said food insecurity and broader financial hardship are the community's most urgent needs. She hopes to introduce a women's empowerment program on Long Island.
“Women are struggling the most, so we are also helping, like trying to open up a women's empowerment program in America,” she said. “We do that in Nigeria... We cater to Nigeria. So, we do women's empowerment. We give them small finance.”
The event began at 12:30 p.m. with opening remarks, a prayer, and expressions of gratitude to supporters for the organization’s mission and its efforts to support families, provide food, empower communities, and create educational and economic opportunities in New York. During the event, Joseph Ramirez attended on behalf of New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul and presented scholarships to Jamal Thomas and Jaden Bascom, each receiving $1,000 from the organization.
Thomas, a student at St. John’s University, was recognized as a first-generation college student pursuing agriculture and supporting his family’s farming goals. He described the scholarship as deeply meaningful because it recognizes his ability to support his mother and family.
He added that this scholarship will help him pursue his business administration degree while continuing to explore agriculture and ways to help others.
“This means so much, and to those who sponsored this, thank you so much for what you do,” Thomas said. “And thank you for acknowledging me because honestly, it means more than what it's printed for. I'm just so thankful. I'm very appreciative.”
Bascom, a student at Stony Brook University, was recognized for volunteer service and plans to become a physician assistant. He said receiving this scholarship would motivate him and help him focus on his long-term career goals. He added that this $ 1,000 award will reduce his financial burden in college.
“I would say thank you so much. I wouldn't be here without you guys, and I would say …thank you to Dr. Emilian,” Bascom said. “Thank you for the seeds of community organization, seeds of change.”
In addition to honoring scholarship recipients, the event recognized its donors with the Heart of Compassion and Heart of Giving awards. During the event, Mary Eisenstein received the Heart of Compassion Award for sustained generosity toward children and families in need, including support from Ramirez for food, toys, and holiday treats.
Dr. Ozuche Igboechie received the Heart of Giving Award for continued financial support of the organization’s mission. However, Dr. Elizabeth Igboechie, Dr. Ozuche’s mother, accepted the Heart of Giving Award on his behalf because he could not attend the gala.
Christopher Emeagwali received the Heart of Family and Community Award for his ongoing generosity, compassion, and support for vulnerable people, as he did not attend the event. Christopher's cousin, Olisa Emeagwali, received the award on behalf of Christopher. The event also recognized Stop & Shop for pledging $1 from every item sold in a designated gift section.
Jackie Grabin received the Multipliers of Hope Award. Her son, David Grabin, accepted the award on her behalf. Ezeozo Eugene Agbimson received the Purpose in Action Award, and Kristi Joiner Mosharrafa received the Community Impact Honoree Award. However, Mosharrafa could not attend the gala in person.
Carl Ellis, one of the donors, said he first became involved as a patient and through his friendship with Emeagwali. He added that he supports her vision, considers her honesty, and is committed to improving the world.
After the awards and recognition, attendees were invited to view a presentation on the organization’s past work. The event ended with an auction featuring a limited-edition New York Islanders jersey signed by Adam Pelech. Nneka Emeagwali announced that donations were eligible for matching, and the top five bidders received holiday hair-care kits. Bidding started at $50 and reached $402.
