Sports, Business & Education Leaders Gather For Urban Tech Gala

Over 300 guests attended the National Urban Technology Center (Urban Tech) annual benefit on Tuesday September 20, 2011, at Capitale in New York City. New York City Education Chancellor Dennis Walcott presented the Bronx middle school principal Ramon Gonzalez with the Education Leadership Award. NBA star John Starks received the Humanitarian Award, in absentia, from Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, president of the New York Board of Rabbis and Jessica Isaacs, of Marsh Inc., received the Corporate Leadership Award from Christopher Wallace, chairman, CEO and founder of the Williams Capital Group and Carla Harris, of Morgan Stanley. The evening was chaired by Mrs. Michelle Paige Paterson.

CBS 2 News anchor Maurice Dubois hosted the evening and there was a great turnout from Broadway and television stars including: HBO'S "Nurse Jackie" star and stage veteran Dominic Fumusa, his wife, actress Ilana Levine, hit TV series "Spin City" star Richard Kind, Food Network star and executive chef of Café Napoli, Chris Nirschel, actresses Nadia Dajani and Callie Thorne as well as Broadway producers Stephen Byrd and Alia M. Jones.

Urban Tech formally announced the launch of the Adopt-a-School Support Network (ASN). This network is an online community of schools and donors that highlights the specific needs of each institution providing a platform for ongoing interaction between Urban Tech, the schools and supporters to deliver help to schools and students quickly.

The evening celebrated Urban Tech's success in transforming 460,000 young lives through the implementation of 750 computer training centers and (creation or foundation) of 200 youth development programs through technology and training.

Proceeds from the night benefit Urban Tech's Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) ® which supplements core academic subjects by strengthening the students' social and emotional skills, computer literacy, and higher-order thinking abilities which are essential for shaping the academic performance and career outcomes of the young.

About John Starks
John Starks was a team leader of the New York Knicks and an NBA All-Star. Mr. Starks is a national advocate for underprivileged children and youth and has been an Urban Tech supporter for many years and on the board of Urban Tech for 2½ years, where he has supported Urban Tech's community programs addressing youth leadership, character education, bullying, financial literacy, technology training, substance abuse prevention, healthy habits, and HIV awareness. Urban Tech celebrates his impact as a great humanitarian.

About Ramon Gonzalez
Ramon Gonzalez is the principal of MS223 The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, where he has successfully created an exceptional educational environment. He champions education as a civil right, going beyond the call of duty to ensure that his students are academically, financially, and socially prepared for success. Urban Tech celebrates his exceptional leadership in promoting education.

About Jessica Isaacs
Jessica Isaacs is the Head of InternationAl Small and Medium Business Enterprises for insurance corporation Marsh Inc. Jessica is dedicated to revitalizing America's financial industry and its disenfranchised communities from the economic crises, serving as an exemplary role model for young and upcoming leaders. Urban Tech celebrates her impact as a corporate leader with an unyielding commitment to youth.

About The National Urban Technology Center
Urban Tech is a 501(c) (3) non-profit education technology corporation. Their mission is to transform lives and communities through the power of technology. They accomplish their mission by partnering with schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement two flagship programs: Youth Leadership Academy® (YLA) and SeedTech®. For more information visit www.urbantech.org.