ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT

Bloomingdale School of Music
Spring Benefit

Carry It Forward, builds on the momentum of our milestone anniversary and looks ahead to what comes next:
how we make sure our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

We’re thrilled to share the extraordinary success of our “Generations” Spring Benefit!  Thanks to the support of so many in our community, we were able surpass our goal of $150,000 and raise over $175,000!

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this remarkable achievement.

A huge thank you to our honoree Ken Michaels and his family and to our Bloomingdale “Generations” families: the Vazquez Family and the Kwan Family.

Thank you to our talented student and guest performers, devoted faculty and staff, board members, alumni, families, friends, and a special thank you to Michelle Charlesworth, who hosted the evening with warmth and grace.

COULDN'T ATTEND?

Couldn’t make it to Generations? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Watch the full program, including performances, speeches, and tributes, right here.

YOU CAN STILL DONATE

Didn’t get a chance to donateIt’s not too late! Your support makes it possible for students to attend lessons and classes, provides teaching opportunities for our faculty, and allows us to expand our programming as we look to the future.

MARCH 25, 2026

W83 Community Center
150 W. 83rd St., New York, NY 10024

Dinner ~ 6:30 PM 
Cocktail Hour ~ 7:00 PM
Benefit Concert ~ 7:30 PM

*Business Cocktail Attire

CARRY IT FORWARD

For more than 60 years, Bloomingdale School of Music has been a place where music opens doors, where talent is nurtured, voices are heard, and opportunity is never limited by circumstance. This year’s Spring Benefit, Carry It Forward, builds on the momentum of our milestone anniversary and looks ahead to what comes next: how we make sure our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

Bloomingdale’s mission is simple and powerful: to provide open access to high-quality music education to anyone who seeks it, regardless of economic status, ability level, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. Carrying that mission forward means investing not only in today’s students, but in the future leaders, creators, and innovators who will shape the music world—and the communities around them.

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WAYS TO SUPPORT CARRY IT FORWARD

JOIN US IN PERSON

Single ticket options ($55-$240) include Cocktail Hour and Show or Buffet Dinner and Show. Sponsorships ($600-$10,000) for up to 10 people are also available.

DONATE AND WATCH

Can’t make it in person? A donation of $5 or more grants you access to our livestream. Donations of every amount go directly to scholarships and programming and keep our mission alive for generations to come!

PURCHASE A PROGRAM AD

Starting at only $250, an ad in our spring benefit program reaches our audience with your personalized message, giving the community a better chance to get to know your business. The program is also offered online for those watching from home and around the world, increasing the reach of your ad. Your business will also be mentioned on our social media accounts.

DONATE A RAFFLE ITEM OR SERVICE

All donated items are tax-deductible as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your goods or services will receive great exposure as part of our spring benefit raffle. You could also donate food items or party favors to the event to get maximum exposure to our in-person audience. Your company will also be listed as a supporter on our event web pages and called out on social media.

ENTER TO WIN!

You can support Bloomingdale when you enter to win in our benefit raffle full of enticing prize packages for all tastes. ($20 minimum)

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorships start as low as $1200. All sponsorship levels include listing your company logo on our event webpages, inclusion in all event emails (5500+ subscribers), press releases, event programs, and social media shoutouts.

CARRYING THE MISSION FORWARD

The Future of Music Starts with Youth Leadership and Creative Voice

Each week, more than 700 students of all ages participate in Bloomingdale’s vibrant and inclusive programs—from early childhood classes and creative aging offerings to group and private lessons and intensive pre-college training. Across every stage of learning, Bloomingdale fosters artistic growth, confidence, collaboration, and a belief that every student’s voice matters.

At the heart of this year’s benefit is Bloomingdale’s deep commitment to youth leadership, scholarship support, and artistic exploration through programs such as ArtsForce, alongside our advanced-track initiatives including the Music Access Project (MAP), Project Bridge, and the Bloomingdale Training Program (BTP).

A cornerstone of Bloomingdale’s commitment to creative leadership and new music is the Album for the Young (A4TY): Student Composing Project. A4TY amplifies student voices by giving young musicians the tools, mentorship, and platform to compose, collaborate, and share original works.

Together, these programs ensure that talented young musicians are not only trained as performers, but empowered as leaders, educators, and changemakers.

You Can Give & Win Big!

Our benefit raffle is LIVE with some exciting items that you can win, like tickets to see the Mets, museum tickets, beautiful accessories, luxurious dining experiences and much more!

In conjunction with our spring benefit, all raffle proceeds go towards supporting and providing access to our music programs and scholarships for Bloomingdale students.

$100 GIFT CARD FOR FUMO UWS

Indulge in a fantastic dining experience at FUMO on the Upper West Side, where you can enjoy exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Value of $100.00

GENIUNE LEATHER HANDBAG BY HOBO BAGS

Upgrade your style with this elegant light blue-grey Hobo leather handbag—a perfect blend of sophistication and versatility. Value of $255.00

GARNET AND SAPPHIRE NECKLACE 

This gorgeous sterling silver necklace from South Paw Studios is the perfect mix of classic and modern, featuring a deep red garnet and white sapphire. Value of $300.00

YOGI BERRA MUSEUM TICKETS & SWAG

Enter to win 4 free passes to the Yogi Berra Museum, plus a prize pack loaded with 2 Yogi T-shirts, a baby hat, “The Yogi Berra Book,” a keychain, and a #8 ring—perfect for any true fan.
Value of $160.00

IT’S YOUR TURN TO

When you support Carry It Forward, you are sustaining a promise: that access to music education remains open, that young people are empowered to lead and create, and that Bloomingdale continues to be a place where the next generation of musicians doesn’t just learn music—they shape its future.

Together, we carry the mission forward.
Together, we carry new voices forward.
Together, we Carry It Forward.

Bloomingdale School of Music Spring Benefit

Carry It Forward, builds on the momentum of our milestone anniversary and looks ahead to what comes next:
how we make sure our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

Date:
March 25, 2026

Location:
W83 Community Center
150 W. 83rd St., New York, NY 10024

Schedule of Events:
Dinner – 6:30pm
Cocktail Hour – 7:00pm

Benefit Concert – 7:30pm

*Business Cocktail Attire

Hosted by Michelle Charlesworth

Michelle Charlesworth is an esteemed reporter and co-anchor for WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News Saturday and Sunday Mornings. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a trusted voice in journalism, delivering impactful stories that resonate with the community.

Charlesworth’s dedication to journalism has been recognized with the prestigious Gold Triangle Award from the American Academy of Dermatology, honoring her in-depth reporting on her personal battle with skin cancer. She has also hosted WABC-TV’s Emmy® Award-winning special programs, including “Broadway Backstage,” which previews upcoming theater seasons, and “Above and Beyond,” a tribute to local high school students and teachers making a difference in their communities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Charlesworth is deeply committed to community engagement. She frequently hosts and supports charitable events across the Tri-State area, reflecting her passion for giving back.

COULDN'T ATTEND?

Couldn’t make it to Generations? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!

Watch the full program, including performances, speeches, and tributes, right here.

YOU CAN STILL DONATE!

Didn’t get a chance to donateIt’s not too late! Your support makes it possible for students to attend lessons and classes, provides teaching opportunities for our faculty, and allows us to expand our programming as we look to the future.

CARRY IT FORWARD

For more than 60 years, Bloomingdale School of Music has been a place where music opens doors, where talent is nurtured, voices are heard, and opportunity is never limited by circumstance. This year’s Spring Benefit, Carry It Forward, builds on the momentum of our milestone anniversary and looks ahead to what comes next: how we make sure our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

Bloomingdale’s mission is simple and powerful: to provide open access to high-quality music education to anyone who seeks it, regardless of economic status, ability level, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. Carrying that mission forward means investing not only in today’s students, but in the future leaders, creators, and innovators who will shape the music world—and the communities around them.

WAYS TO SUPPORT CARRY IT FORWARD

JOIN US IN PERSON

Single ticket options ($55-$240) include Cocktail Hour and Show or Buffet Dinner and Show. Sponsorships ($600-$10,000) for up to 10 people are also available.

DONATE
AND WATCH

Can’t make it in person? A donation of $5 or more grants you access to our livestream. Donations of every amount go directly to scholarships and programming and keep our mission alive for generations to come!

ENTER TO WIN!

You can support Bloomingdale when you enter to win in our benefit raffle full of enticing prize packages for all tastes. ($20 minimum)

PURCHASE A PROGRAM AD

Starting at only $250, an ad in our spring benefit program reaches our audience with your personalized message, giving the community a better chance to get to know your business. The program is also offered online for those watching from home and around the world, increasing the reach of your ad. Your business will also be mentioned on our social media accounts.

DONATE A RAFFLE ITEM OR SERVICE

All donated items are tax-deductible as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your goods or services will receive great exposure as part of our spring benefit raffle. You could also donate food items or party favors to the event to get maximum exposure to our in-person audience. Your company will also be listed as a supporter on our event web pages and called out on social media.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorships start as low as $1200. All sponsorship levels include listing your company logo on our event webpages, inclusion in all event emails (5500+ subscribers), press releases, event programs, and social media shoutouts.

DONATION TRACKER

CARRYING THE MISSION FORWARD

The Future of Music Starts with Youth Leadership and Creative Voice

Each week, more than 700 students of all ages participate in Bloomingdale’s vibrant and inclusive programs—from early childhood classes and creative aging offerings to group and private lessons and intensive pre-college training. Across every stage of learning, Bloomingdale fosters artistic growth, confidence, collaboration, and a belief that every student’s voice matters.

At the heart of this year’s benefit is Bloomingdale’s deep commitment to youth leadership, scholarship support, and artistic exploration through programs such as ArtsForce, alongside our advanced-track initiatives including the Music Access Project (MAP)Project Bridge, and the Bloomingdale Training Program (BTP).

A cornerstone of Bloomingdale’s commitment to creative leadership and new music is the Album for the Young (A4TY): Student Composing Project. A4TY amplifies student voices by giving young musicians the tools, mentorship, and platform to compose, collaborate, and share original works.

Together, these programs ensure that talented young musicians are not only trained as performers, but empowered as leaders, educators, and changemakers.

Guest Artist

TBD

TBD

SELECT YOUR RAFFLE ITEMS

You can still give and win big!

Our benefit raffle is LIVE with some exciting items that you can win like tickets to Carnegie Hall, luxurious dining experiences, unlimited pilates classes, and much more!

In conjunction with our spring benefit, all raffle proceeds go towards supporting and providing access to our music programs and scholarships for Bloomingdale students.

$100 GIFT CARD FOR FUMO UWS

Indulge in a fantastic dining experience at FUMO on the Upper West Side, where you can enjoy exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Value of $100.00

GENIUNE LEATHER HANDBAG
BY HOBO BAGS

Upgrade your style with this elegant light blue-grey Hobo leather handbag—a perfect blend of sophistication and versatility. Value of $255.00

GARNET AND SAPPHIRE NECKLACE 

This gorgeous sterling silver necklace from South Paw Studios is the perfect mix of classic and modern, featuring a deep red garnet and white sapphire. Value of $300.00

YOGI BERRA MUSEUM TICKETS & SWAG

Enter to win 4 free passes to the Yogi Berra Museum, plus a prize pack loaded with 2 Yogi T-shirts, a baby hat, “The Yogi Berra Book,” a keychain, and a #8 ring—perfect for any true fan.
Value of $160.00

SEE ALL PRIZES NOW AND ENTER TO WIN

IT'S YOUR TURN TO

When you support Carry It Forward, you are sustaining a promise: that access to music education remains open, that young people are empowered to lead and create, and that Bloomingdale continues to be a place where the next generation of musicians doesn’t just learn music—they shape its future.

Together, we carry the mission forward.
Together, we carry new voices forward.
Together, we Carry It Forward.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrice Jean, President
Bradley Kulman, Vice President
Andrea Gural, Vice President
Juliana Zhang, Treasurer
Sarah Paul, Secretary
Ken Michaels, President Emeritus
Kristen Booth Glen
Jake Cinti
Hannah Hart
Paavana Kumar
Fenney Kuo
Ruth Levine
Joe Mangrum
Catherine McKenzie
Jerry Phelps
Komal Tirmal
Lizzie Weaver
Margaret Williams

ADVISORY BOARD

Miranda Beeson
Ashley Browne
Bob Cane
Lauren Cherry
Erika Floreska
Jean Marie De Veaux
Matthew Johnson Harris
Paul Ness
Joshua Rim
Mary Hawkins Sachs
John Sanchez
Melissa Schoonveld
Seth Slade
Suzy Stein

CARRY IT FORWARD CHAMPIONS

Your name can be here!

LEGACY IN MOTION Sponsors

HARMONY BUILDERS Sponsors

RISING VOICES Sponsors

SHARED MELODIES Sponsors

BENEFIT COMMITTEE

Catherine McKenzie, Chair 
Erika Atkins
Grace Azcona
Noelle Barbera
Jean Marie De Veaux
Justin Duckworth
Dayna Grayber
Patrice Jean
Fenney Kuo
Seth Slade
Suzy Stein

IN-KIND SUPPORTERS

BUSINESS SPONSORS

Our Devoted Partners in Access to Music Education

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our partners, we are able to continuously strive to make a positive impact on the lives of music lovers everywhere.

  • Bay and Paul Foundations
  • Baisley-Powell Elebash
  • Berwen Contractors
  • Booth Ferris
  • City Council Discretionary Funding
  • Classical Singing and New York In June
  • Columbia Community Service
  • Con-Edison Arts and Culture Grants
  • City Council Discretionary Council member Brewer 
  • City Council Discretionary Council member Abreau 
  • D’Addario Foundation
  • Edwin Caplin Foundation
  • Federal Government – CARES ACT
  • Find Your Light Foundation
  • Hyde and Watson Foundation
  • Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation
  • Libby Holman Foundation
  • Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation
  • Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
  • Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund
  • Network for Good
  • New York Community Trust
  • New York Preservation Society
  • New York State Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell
  • New York State Council of Arts
  • Pinkerton Foundation
  • The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation
  • The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts
  • Youth Inc.
  •  

Annual Reports

Please contact Noelle Barbera at nbarbera@bsmny.org or 212-663-6021 ext 126 for more information.

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START YOUR SPRING WITH $61 OFF!

New students receive $61 off tuition with code BSM61 at checkout.