Kevin and Samantha Heller have been members of CSF’s Young Leaders Board for ten years, each serving in leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Young Leaders Board, a role Kevin currently holds. This year, they joined CSF’s President’s Council, committing to fund one or more CSF New York scholarships each year. This April, Kevin spoke about the couple’s loyal commitment to CSF and why they give at the Young Leaders Board’s annual Party for a Purpose fundraiser. Here are Kevin’s remarks:
My name is Kevin Heller and I’ve been a member of the CSF Young Leaders Board for the last ten years. I still call myself young, which is nice, even if it’s been ten years!
I’ve been truly touched and honored to be a part of the CSF Young Leaders Board. I think we’ve tried to do the Party for a Purpose every year, and this might be the best representation we’ve had, so thank you all so much for coming out. It really means a lot to all of us, and I also want to thank the Highwater Rooftop and Chris, not only for making this evening possible, but it’s been a large success.
Sam and I have remained active members of CSF because of not only our shared desire to help children and to help further education in New York City, but because we’ve seen the incredible work that CSF has done and continues to do, and because we’ve gotten to involve ourselves with individuals such as yourselves.
The proceeds from the event tonight are all going to CSF scholarships for New York City children. This year alone … CSF has provided more than 7,000 children with scholarships to attend more than 200 schools across all five boroughs, which includes more than 1,600 new scholarships this year.
Sam and I have remained active members of CSF because of not only our shared desire to help children and to help further education in New York City, but because we’ve seen the incredible work that CSF has done and continues to do, and because we’ve gotten to involve ourselves with individuals such as yourselves.
If you’d like to learn more, Michele, Kurt, Reggie are incredible resources. They’ve been awesome for me and have taught me a ton throughout the last ten years. … But everything that goes on tonight is a part of it.
I know a lot of you are guests, but just so you know, I’ve had a couple of questions about how do you get involved or what do you do? We’re always looking for new members for the Young Leaders Board and would certainly encourage you all to speak with some of the members tonight, learn more about their experiences, what brought them here, and what’s kept them here. I’m a good example, I guess, for ten years, but there’s a lot of people who have been here one, two, three, five years. Everyone here is a great resource and would be happy to talk about the group.
Speaking of the last ten years, I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made, not only getting to see the great work in action, but to spend more time with the kids and meet young like-minded individuals who want to help further education within the city.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed and continue to enjoy the event. But just know that everything you’ve done tonight is going to further children’s education, and that is an incredible thing we should all be very proud of. Thank you very much for coming. Cheers to a great evening.
Sam and I have remained active members of CSF because of not only our shared desire to help children and to help further education in New York City, but because we’ve seen the incredible work that CSF has done and continues to do, and because we’ve gotten to involve ourselves with individuals such as yourselves.
