In the summer of last year, TakingITGlobal and the Global Youth Action Network formally merged their efforts and integrated their operations to achieve a world in which young people everywhere are engaged and connected in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world. Much of these changes have not been visible to our members and partners till our first joint fundraising event on June 12th.

The event was organized by a host committee, led by TIG Advisor and former GYAN staff member Luis Davila. The Turkish Consulate in New York graciously provided us with a room in their building just across the street from the United Nations Headquarters, and a number of volunteers donated food and drinks, and helped us run the event throughout the evening. The event was a great success: more than 100 guests - most of them students or young professionals - came to celebrate with us and support the work that we do. Among the guests were GYAN Founder and President Benjamin Quinto, TIG Executive Director Jennifer Corriero, and many GYAN and TIG alumni, Board members, friends and partners.

A special thanks to Luis Davila and the entire host committee:
Fruzsina Molnar
Joshua Gorman
John Balonze
Emily Davila
Mitchel Lustre
Stephanie Alenda
Julia Walsh

Thanks also to our volunteers and those that contributed in another form to the event:
Turkish Consulate, New York City
Vivianna Guzman and the American Management Association
Hamish Wood and Translate Media
Jennifer Corriero
Natalie Rodic
Therese
Alexandra
Henry
Zsuzsa
Roberto
David
Helena

Below are some pictures from the evening and a video of Benjamin's speech:


Benjamin Quinto, Founder and President of GYAN


Luis Davila, TIG Advisor and host of the event


Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TakingITGlobal & Franziska Seel, Executive Director of the Global Youth Action Network




Jennifer and Franziska with GYAN Board member, Vivianna Guzman




The buffet


Benjamin Quinto, GYAN Founder & President speaks at the event