Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony
Every year VID honors elected officials, members and community organizers whose progressive policies and work we value and support. The gala usually takes place in September at a locally owned restaurant and is an anticipated and fabulous event! Many hands are needed to coordinate the gala so please join the team! Ideas, suggestions and help of all sorts are always welcome and needed. Click HERE to see a slideshow from one of VID's galas, celebrating our political activism in the community.
2024 VID GALA
The Village Independent Democrats 2024 Gala was a tremendous success, and we are immensely grateful for the support and collaboration from our elected officials, honored guests and all who attended. Your presence and engagement made a significant difference in making this event memorable!
We encourage you to explore the information below to learn more about the important and impactful work that our honorees are dedicated to throughout the year. Their commitment to our community and their relentless efforts are truly inspiring.
Thank you to the VID gala committee! Judith Jacobson (co-chair), Mindy Rosier (co-chair), Lois Rakoff, Irene Kaufman, Jonathan Geballe, Nadine Hoffmann and Tony Hoffmann.
As we honor the spirit of community and dedication, we invite you to join us in our mission to elect Democrats at all levels of government. We can work together to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House while also championing the values we share.
Thank you again for your very generous support of VID and congratulations once again to our distinguished honorees! Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated.
For your enjoyment here is a short video of the gala filmed and edited by Tony Hoffman's talented son, Jason Hoffmann. Enjoy!
2024 VID GALA HONOREES
RANDI WEINGARTEN is president of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government
employees; and early childhood educators.
Prior to her election as AFT president in 2008, Weingarten served for 11 years as president of the United Federation of Teachers. She serves on the national boards of the NAACP, J Street and the AFL-CIO. Her passionate defense of public education has sparked sexist and homophobic attacks from leaders across the county. Despite facing these challenges, she has courageously stood up against anti-union sentiments.Through her leadership the AFT has grown to 1.8 million members, the largest it's ever been.
DOWNTOWN NASTY WOMEN SOCIAL GROUP (DNWSG) founded after the 2016 election, is a NYC-based grassroots organization dedicated to speaking civic engagement, increasing voter participation, and electing Democrats nation-wide to shift the balance of power. DNWSG provides direction and advice through weekly updates, zooms and events. With a mission to mobilize volunteers, mentor new grassroots groups, and fundraise to flip state legislatures in partnership with The States Project, DNWSG has grown to a membership of over 1,000 and has raised $1.3 million since 2018 for crucial swing states like Michingan, Nirvana, exas, and Wisconsin. They remain committed to inspiring participation and fighting for a future where freedom, equality, and safety are realities for all.
Accepting the award is Remy Kothe, Kim Beck, Lisa Goldenberg Corn & Molly Harris
At The Door, young people between the ages of 12 and 24 can access comprehensive services—health care, education, mental health counseling and crisis intervention, legal assistance, high school equivalency and college preparation services, career development, housing support, arts, sports and recreational activities, and nutritious meals—all for free. The Door serves up to 11,000 youth annually across four New York City locations, including lower Manhattan and South Bronx youth centers and two supportive housing sites on the Lower East Side. Broome Street Academy (BSA), a charter high school embedded at The Door, enrolls up to 330 students and prioritizes applicants who are experiencing housing instability or have been involved in the child welfare system.
Accepting the award is KELSEY LOUIE, Chief Executive Officer, The Door & Broome Street Academy
IRENE KAUFMAN, VID Treasurer
VID is honored to celebrate Irene, our steadfast, principled, and dedicated voice who exemplifies the spirit of "getting things done." For over a decade, Irene has been a cornerstone of VID, taking on roles such as Treasurer, Vice President, Executive Committee member, County Committee delegate, petitioner, campaigner, and networker. Her unwavering commitment is matched only by her generosity, as she has consistently opened her home for numerous VID and campaign events.
In addition to her contributions to VID, Irene has been deeply involved in community causes, particularly in education. Alongside Ann Kjellberg, she co-founded the Public School Parent Action Committee, where they collaborated with local leaders like Assembly Member Deborah Glick and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal to advocate for the establishment of the 75 Morton School and the Foundling School. Irene's dedication and impact on both VID and the wider community are truly remarkable.
See you next year....
VID 2024 GALA
NEW TIME!
Tuesday, September 10th
5:30pm-8:30pm
Because we know you're desperate to get home in time to watch the
Presidential debate!
HONOREES
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
Downtown Nasty Women, a grassroots community of activists
Irene Kaufman, VID Treasurer
The Door, providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse & caring environment
PURCHASE GALA TICKETS HERE
Click here for an article on the 2023 Gala! Gala Article: https://thevillagesun.com/village-independent-democrats-honor-awardees-at-annual-gala
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Annual Holiday Party
Good People, Good Vibes and Lots of Democratic Enthusiasm! Each Winter, VID comes together with our members, community supporters and elected officials to celebrate the progressive work we’ve done throughout the year. Hosted in a member’s home, it’s a great way to relax and connect with old friends and new!
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Petitioning Kickoff Breakfast
Murray’s bagels, cream cheese, coffee, and lots of dogs! What could be better? Our endorsed candidates of course! Join us and the candidates as we fan out after breakfast throughout the Village and collect signatures. Candidates must collect a required number of signatures in the district in order to qualify for the ballot so that we can vote for them on election day!
Questions? Contact [email protected]
