2008 Robin Hood Heroes Award
Each December, The Robin Hood Foundation celebrates the people and organizations in NYC who have made extraordinary contributions in the fight against poverty. While the heroes are diverse—they may be an executive director, staff member, volunteer or corporate partner—they share many of the same qualities: tenacity, selflessness, innovation and the ability to profoundly affect peoples’ lives. Each Hero receives an award of $50,000 for the organization they represent. 

On December 2, 2008, Year Up NYC was honored as a Hero (one of 4 of Robin Hood's 240 grantees). Among the many distinguished guests and speakers, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg spoke about the importance of recognizing the high return on investment in organizations that address social services and education. On behalf of Year Up NYC, alumnus Roberto Velez and Executive Director Lisette Nieves shared their personal stories and their “Year Up” in their acceptance speech. Please click on the link below to view both speakers accept the award.

http://www.robinhood.org./heroes/roberto-velez-and-lisette-nieves.aspx