“LEAP Year” Dinner-Convos Loom, Some In Person, Some Zoomed

The following was submitted by LEAP:

It’s not every day that you have the chance to share a meal with the Dean of Yale’s School of Management or rub elbows with a CNN host and best-selling author. The opportunity to cross paths with the production designer of Hollywood’s most complex cinematic universe arises maybe once in a blue moon. Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership’s (LEAP) annual LEAP Year Event (LYE) promises those opportunities and more for New Haveners and supporters across the globe. 

LEAP’s annual fundraiser will return on Thursday, February 24th. This event brings community members and stakeholders together to celebrate and support the organization’s outstanding work providing free after-school and summer programs to over 1,000 young people from low-income neighborhoods in New Haven every year. During this year’s event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in conversations with LEAP’s esteemed Guests of Honor, experts, and influencers in their respective fields.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LYE will feature options for in-person and virtual participation for the event. Interested attendees will have the opportunity to choose from 12 in-person dinner parties and seven (7) virtual Zoom conversations, with the option to get dinner from New Haven restaurants. 

The idea for this unique fundraiser was the brainchild of Louise Endel, a visionary who in 1995 reimagined the way New Haveners gather to support their community. Louise dreamed of an event where guests split into several small, intimate groups to fellowship over fantastic food and engaging discussions. Each year, the event gets bigger and better, attracting marquee names in education, politics, arts and media. In its 27th year, Louise’s innovative event concept serves as LEAP’s most successful fundraiser. The proceeds help the organization be a safe haven for New Haven’s African American and Latino youth.

This year’s event will kick off with a virtual reception, which will serve as an opportunity for attendees to hear from LEAP staff and counselors about the exciting plans for the year. During the reception, LEAP will honor Sydney Perry and Alder Jeanette Morrison for their invaluable contributions to LEAP and the New Haven community.

Following the reception, attendees will enjoy a dinner party hosted by LEAP supporters throughout Greater New Haven and virtually. Each dinner will feature a discussion led by one of LYE’s acclaimed Guests of Honor. Featured guests include Rosa DeLauro, US Congresswoman and House Appropriations Chair, and Sue Chan, production designer for the history-making 2021 Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Regardless of your interests and passions, you are sure to find a unique, one-of-a-kind conversation that piques your curiosity. To explore the complete list of dinners, Guests of Honor, and discussion topics, visit LEAP’s website here.

Last year’s event was an overwhelming success, helping LEAP raise $280,000, which enabled them to help all our young people experience the boundless possibilities New Haven has to offer. Support of the LYE represents an investment in children, teens, and families and helps create a safer, more vibrant New Haven. 

By attending the LEAP Year Event, you get to have a memorable evening with old neighbors and new friends — all while supporting a good cause! There are three ticket levels for the event. Tickets to attend the reception and a dinner of your choice are $150. Tickets to participate in the reception without dinner are $95. First-time attendees can join for just $75 (dinner not included). The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, February 20th. Tickets can be purchased here. Space for each dinner is limited and sells out fast, so reserve your seat today!