An Evening of Impact: Inside the 2026 Starry Night Gala

“More people should know how great City Year is. We are only two of the students they’ve worked with this year, and we know their reach goes even further.”
— Soukeyna, 7th grade student at Boston Green Academy 

On May 21, more than 400 supporters, champions, alumni, educators, students, and AmeriCorps members gathered at The Cyclorama for City Year Greater Boston’s 2026 Starry Night Gala. It was an unforgettable evening filled with joy, inspiration, and purpose. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, and all the matching funds unlocked throughout the evening, we exceeded our goal and raised more than $535,000 to ensure City Year Greater Boston can continue delivering life-changing tutoring, mentoring, afterschool programming, and wraparound supports to nearly 10,000 students across Boston and Medford. 

From the moment guests arrived, the room was alive with energy. Old friends reconnected, new champions joined the movement, and supporters from across Greater Boston came together around a shared belief: every young person deserves access to meaningful relationships, opportunities, and support systems that help them thrive. 

The evening was emceed by WCVB anchor and reporter Erika Tarantal, who guided guests through a program centered on the transformational power of relationships and service.  

City Year Greater Boston Executive Director and Senior Vice President Erika Alvarez Werner opened the evening with reflections on her own experience serving as a City Year AmeriCorps member in Boston Public Schools nearly 30 years ago. 

“City Year is where I found my calling,” Erika shared. “When you experience City Year firsthand, you see what becomes possible when you invest in young people and create the conditions for them to succeed.” 

Throughout the evening, guests heard directly from the people who make City Year’s impact possible every day. 

AmeriCorps member Hal Nalamliang, who serves at Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School, introduced this year’s Idealism in Action Award honoree, the Wellington Management Foundation. Hal spoke powerfully about the importance of community, mentorship, and the profound impact Wellington Management has had on City Year students and corps members over more than a decade of partnership. We were honored to recognize the Wellington Management Foundation, and CEO Jean Hynes, for their extraordinary commitment to young people. 

Guests were especially moved by the heartfelt stories shared by the Boston Green Academy team. Eighth grade teacher, Tara Hollins, spoke about the immeasurable impact City Year corps members have on students, classrooms, and school culture every single day. AmeriCorps members Ash Ahrenhoerster, Lottie Elwy, and Liam Pelosky reflected on what brought them to service and the relationships that continue to shape their experiences in schools. 

And then came one of the most memorable moments of the evening. 

Seventh graders Maria and Soukeyna took the stage to share, in their own words, how City Year corps members transformed their school year. 

Maria spoke about improving from failing grades to earning As and Bs with support from her corps members. Soukeyna reflected on how consistent mentorship from her corps members helped her build confidence both inside and outside the classroom — ultimately joining debate club and earning induction into the Junior National Honor Society. 

Together, they reminded everyone in the room why this work matters. 

“City Years work so hard,” Maria shared. “They take the real time to support us every single day, and they deserve support too.” 

To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, corps member, student, educator, and champion who made this evening possible: thank you. Your presence fuels this work and our entire City Year community is deeply grateful. 

Starry Night Host Committee   

Chet & Lisa Baker
Isabel Barros
Shweta & Jason Bhardwaj
Laura & David Cerveny
Mary & Ambar Chowdhury
Chris & Perry Comenos
Kristie Feinberg
Rocky & Dennis Granahan
Caitlin Guzy & Matthew Javitch
Lisa & Eran Lobel
Alice & Todd Markson Kenann McKenzie-Defranza
Kate & Warren Mead
Antonia & Joe Nedder
Merrill Puopolo
Tarun Rathnam
Rob Ruffin
Diane Ryan
Alexis Smith-Attuquayefio
Sharhea Wade
John Werner

Starry Night Sponsors 

Relive some of the best moments from the night in our photo gallery.