Branching Out with Beam: Event Recap

Events

May 24

Thank you to all who attended our first annual spring fundraising celebration, Branching out with Beam! We’re so grateful that you were able to help us honor Brooklyn International High School and Sally Cohen. We also want to reiterate our gratitude for all who donated! Because of you, we surpassed our fundraising goal of $100,000 and raised over $119,000! All of this funding is being put to use in our Tuition Fund Assistance for Beam Camp, at Beam Camp City, and for our upcoming big projects and Artist in Residence program. It was wonderful to experience the strength of our community in person once again, and we hope you enjoyed hearing directly from our staff and the young people we serve.

The event’s speaking program kicked off with our Chief of Staff Cassie Broadus-Foote sharing about her personal journey from part of the early Beam Camp crew to her current role at Beam Center. As she told her own story, Cassie told Beam’s story. Speaking about our second year of Camp in New Hampshire, Cassie stated “The world was a lot different in 2006, but Beam Camp was practicing highly advanced youth development frameworks that were not common in the educational landscape in New York City. There were 8 year olds using power tools, and the adults at camp would stop at nothing to create an opportunity for an idea, small or large, to come to fruition for a young person.”

Beam’s Chief of Operations, Matt Robinson, spoke next and told the story of Beam’s first big programming pitch to Brooklyn International High School (BIHS), our first school partner. Matt also introduced two BIHS alumni, Adama Nanguin and Mukta Ahmad. Presenting BIHS principal Kathleen Rucker with a plaque honoring BIHS for their central role in Beam’s development, Adama and Mukta shared fond memories from their time in school at BIHS and their resulting experiences with Beam Center. Speaking about the influence of Beam on her work at BIHS, Kathleen said “that really set me on a larger trajectory of getting outside the school, getting into the community, finding real world experiences that are beyond the four walls…Beam Center is fully integrated into our DNA at BIHS.”

Next up was a brief introduction to Beam Camp City by our Beam Camp City Director, Marisol Catañeda-Salgado. Marisol spoke about the day camp experience on Governors Island and introduced two Beam Camp City summer 2021 youth employees Kayla and Adriel. In their tearful and tear-inducing comments, Kayla and Adriel both shared about the impact Beam Camp City had on them last summer and the ways that Beam - according to Kayla - “helped [her] be the person [she’s] always been, just ten times better.”

Lucas Fallick, a former Beam Camper, followed up on the impact of Beam on young people and spoke about his experiences at Beam Camp. According to Lucas, “we make big projects at Beam and at Beam Camp, but that’s not really the point. It’s about the journey, and it’s about what you learn while you’re building them. Beam is about big ideas and giving kids the tools to make them happen.”

Finally, Beam’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Brian Cohen, wrapped up the speaking program with a moment to honor his mother, Sally Cohen. Over the years, Sally served as Beam Camp’s backup nurse and Art Barn Director, and she’s been an inspiration to the thousands of campers and staff who she's taught to knit over the past 17 years. Brian took the opportunity to thank Sally for everything she does, including generously sharing her ebullient spirit and advice for living boldly and compassionately.

After a tasty brunch, Brian was joined (virtually) by his Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, Danny Kahn. as they shared about the importance and impact of funding Beam’s programs. Over the years, our funders - from individuals to foundations, from the government to city organizations - have helped us develop and grow, and Beam is grateful for the ongoing support.

As a parting gift, we handed out Loblolly Pine Tree seedlings to attendees. If you received a seedling and would like to learn more about caring for the plant so it too can branch out, please review the care instructions.