Black Diamonds Academic Success (BDAS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Black and Brown male students to achieve academic and personal success, will host its Annual Fall Benefit Gala on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at the historic Bear Mountain Inn’s Perkins Ballroom.
This year’s gala theme, “Lift As You Climb,” celebrates the power of leadership, partnership, and community uplift. The evening will honor NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for its outstanding partnership and continued support of the Black Diamonds mission to help Black and Latino males to graduate high school on time and be well prepared for life after high school.
Over the past several years, NewYork-Presbyterian has played a pivotal role in BDAS’s growth — providing grant funding, Chromebooks for students, and professional development opportunities for program leaders. Most notably, their investment helped launch BDAS’s Father & Son Wellness Initiative, a five-week workshop series designed to strengthen relationships, promote healing, and foster emotional intelligence among Black and Brown male students.
“NewYork-Presbyterian has been more than a funder — they’ve been a true partner in advancing the health and well-being of our young men,” said Martin McDonald, Founder and Executive Director of Black Diamonds Academic Success. “Their commitment to community care and equity reflects the kind of leadership that truly lifts others as they climb.”
The evening will be hosted by Lowes Moore, former NBA player, motivational speaker, and community leader, whose powerful presence and lifelong commitment to youth empowerment make him a natural fit for the occasion.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Donald Ruff, President and CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation, an organization nationally recognized for its transformative work educating and mentoring young men of color. His message will inspire guests to continue investing in the next generation of leaders.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, special presentations, scholarship appeal, along with remarks from community leaders, educators, alumni members and parents.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bear Mountain Inn, Perkins Ballroom
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
