Junior Board’s A Toast to Home Raises More Than $110,000 for Westhab Families

This September, the Westhab Junior Board hosted its annual NYC fundraiser, A Toast to Home, at City Winery, bringing together friends, partners, and supporters to raise a glass—and over $110,000—in support of Westhab’s work to end homelessness and expand affordable housing and opportunity across New York.

The event was especially meaningful this year as Westhab celebrates its 45th anniversary. For 45 years, Westhab has worked alongside individuals and families to create pathways to permanent housing, employment, and opportunity. Today, Westhab supports more than 20,000 New Yorkers each year through housing, supportive services, workforce development, and youth programming.

The Junior Board represents the next generation carrying that work forward. Made up of young professionals who bring their networks, energy, and time to Westhab, the group raises funds while also finding meaningful ways to get involved directly with the people and communities Westhab serves.

As Junior Board Co-Chair, Jack Paul reflected on what has kept him involved with Westhab since 2020:

“Westhab doesn’t just address an immediate need—it gives individuals and families the housing, services, and opportunities they need to build a more stable future. That’s also what makes being part of the Junior Board so meaningful. We have the opportunity to bring new people into the Westhab community, raise life-changing funds, and find ways to get personally involved in the work.”

Gabrielle Waller-Whelan, Vice Chair and Junior Board member, shared one experience that’s made her time on the Junior Board so meaningful. After volunteering at Hudson Family Residence, she watched one young student grow from being too shy to participate in her dance classes to confidently sharing his dance moves with the group.

At the end of one recent class, the student asked Gabrielle if he could tell her a secret.

“You made me love music and dance,” he told her.

“As I have come to know him, he has grown in confidence and a willingness to try new things, even scary things like dancing in front of everyone in the room. Getting the chance to know these children personally and watch them gain confidence has been such a gift.”

David Pouncey, an employment counselor at Hudson Family Residence, spoke about helping residents pursue jobs ranging from maintenance and parks work to medical technician and home health positions—finding the right path for each person.

Experiences like these are at the heart of why the Junior Board continues to invest in Westhab. Beyond fundraising, members volunteer with families and young people, organize community events, and create opportunities to connect with Westhab residents in meaningful ways. 

We are grateful to everyone who joined us, raised a glass, placed a bid in our online auction, made a gift, or helped make the evening possible. A special thank you to our Gold Sponsor, SD Builders; our Silver Sponsor, Valley Bank; and our Bronze Sponsors, City Scape Engineering, Faropoint, Sheppard, and Jack and Elle Paul. And thank you to our Junior Board for continuing to bring new energy and new supporters to Westhab’s mission.

If you’re inspired by the Junior Board and want to learn more about getting involved, please reach out to Nicolette Kavana, Director of Development, at nicolette.kavana@westhab.org.