A Night to Remember: Our Annual Fundraiser at Upstairs at The Kimberly

On a beautiful evening at the luxurious Upstairs at The Kimberly, Step Up for Better Living (SUBL) hosted our annual fundraiser, a night that would become one of the most memorable and impactful events in our organization’s history. Surrounded by the stunning views of New York City, our supporters, donors, and partners came together to celebrate the strides we’ve made and to push forward our mission to uplift the South Bronx community.

This year, we reached a remarkable milestone: raising nearly $76,000—our highest fundraising total to date. This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our donors and the collective commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

A Night of Inspiration and Celebration

The evening was filled with energy, excitement, and a shared sense of purpose. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the warm, inviting ambiance of Upstairs at The Kimberly, where the rooftop’s twinkling lights set the stage for what would be a night of inspiration and celebration.

Our guests enjoyed a delectable array of food and drinks, expertly curated to complement the elegant setting. But the true highlight of the evening was the stories shared by two of our clients, whose journeys from homelessness to stability moved everyone in the room. These stories were a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at SUBL—and why your support is so crucial.

Stories of Challenge and Triumph

The first story was shared by Ana, a mother who came to SUBL at one of the lowest points in her life. Ana had faced eviction, health challenges, and the overwhelming responsibility of raising her children alone. But with the help of SUBL, Ana found a way forward. Our team provided her with housing assistance, emotional support, and crucial resources that helped her regain her footing.

Today, Ana’s children are thriving. Her youngest son, who once struggled alongside his mother, is now in college, thanks to tuition assistance and resume-building support from SUBL. As Ana spoke about her son’s journey, the pride and gratitude in her voice were palpable. Her story is one of resilience, strength, and the life-changing impact that a little support can have.

The second story came from Fiorella, who was once homeless and living in a shelter. Fiorella shared how she felt lost and hopeless until she connected with SUBL. Our team worked tirelessly to help her secure stable housing, access educational opportunities, and build a brighter future for herself and her family. Fiorella’s daughter is now on her way to college, a dream that once seemed impossible. The applause that followed Fiorella’s story was a testament to the hope and inspiration she brought to the evening.

The Power of Community

These stories are not just individual successes—they are a reflection of what we can achieve together as a community. At SUBL, we believe in the power of community support, and the success of our fundraiser is proof of that power in action.

The generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the commitment of our staff all contribute to the life-changing work we do. Together, we’re not just providing temporary relief—we’re creating long-term stability and opportunities for growth. We’re helping families break the cycle of poverty, ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed, and empowering individuals to build better futures.

Thank You to Our Donors

We cannot express enough gratitude to the donors who made this night such a resounding success. Your contributions are directly impacting the lives of families in the South Bronx, helping them transition from homelessness to stability, from uncertainty to hope. Because of you, we can continue to offer housing assistance, educational support, job readiness programs, and so much more.

To our long-time supporters and those who joined us for the first time this year—thank you. Your belief in our mission and your willingness to invest in the future of our community is what drives us forward. Every dollar raised at this event is a step closer to achieving our vision of a stronger, more resilient South Bronx.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate this incredible achievement, we know that our work is far from done. The challenges facing our community are ongoing, and the need for support is ever-present. But with the momentum from this event and the continued generosity of our supporters, we are confident that we can meet these challenges head-on.

We invite those who were not able to attend this year’s fundraiser to consider making a donation to SUBL. Your support, no matter the amount, makes a tangible difference. Whether it’s providing a child with the school supplies they need to succeed, helping a family avoid eviction, or offering job training to an individual looking to improve their circumstances—every contribution counts.

As we look ahead to the future, we are filled with hope and determination. We are committed to expanding our programs, reaching more families, and deepening our impact in the South Bronx. And we can’t do it without you.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you were moved by the stories shared at our fundraiser, or if you believe in the work we’re doing at SUBL, we encourage you to get involved. Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word about our mission, your support is invaluable.

Together, we can create a community where every family has the opportunity to thrive, where children can dream of brighter futures, and where stability and success are within reach for all.

Thank you once again to everyone who made this night possible. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event—and to continuing this journey of transformation, one family at a time.