Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC), the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, hosted its 32nd Annual Sidewalks of New York Dinner on April 26th at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in Manhattan.

This year’s event honored standout role models who have overcome personal and professional obstacles to become leaders in their respective fields: Edward D. Breen, chairman and CEO of Tyco International; Julie Chen, co-host of the CBS television show The Talk; and Dikembe Mutombo, chairman and president of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, Inc. and eight-time NBA All-Star.

CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Soledad O’Brien served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Sy Sternberg, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City trustee and retired chairman and CEO of New York Life Insurance Company, chaired the event.

“Tonight’s honorees – Edward Breen, Julie Chen and Dikembe Mutombo – inspire us all, not only with their professional accomplishments, but their commitment to our mission of improving the lives of our city’s youth,” said Sy Sternberg. “We are proud to celebrate these role models and there is no better occasion to do so than Sidewalks of New York.”

The dinner raised more than $2 million, which will help Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City to continue making a critical investment in the futures of young people throughout the five boroughs. BBBS of NYC serves more than 3,000 young people in New York City each year. Every $2,000 raised provides a Big/Little mentoring match with the financial support it needs for one year. 

More than 850 attendees gathered to watch three matches (a match is a “Little” Brother or Sister and his or her “Big” Brother or Sister) present awards to this year’s honorees. The matches spent several weeks writing and rehearsing their remarks for the evening, and each delivered a touching and sometimes funny presentation that recounted their experiences in their own words.

“Tonight’s honorees, like Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, have served as a positive, force in communities throughout our city,” said Hector Batista, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “We are proud to say that 70 percent of young people in our programs improve their school attendance and grades, and more than 90 percent show increased self- esteem. Tonight we extend a big 'thank you' to New York City, because without your support, these incredible accomplishments would not be possible.”

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