The 78th Gala of A Chance in Life, held at Cipriani Downtown, was a night filled with celebration, inspiration, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. The annual gala event brought together philanthropists, business leaders, and supporters of A Chance in Life to honor outstanding individuals and share the organization’s remarkable journey.
This year, the organization recognized two honorees for their dedication to making a positive impact on society. Pete Trizzino, President of North America Sales at Dell Technologies, and Jody Slone Spitalnik, VP of Supplier Partnerships at Beverage Media & SevenFifty Daily, were both celebrated for their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
One of the most moving moments of the gala was when Giacomo, a young man from “La Repubblica dei Ragazzi,” took the stage to share his personal journey. Giacomo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of A Chance in Life. Coming from a challenging background, he faced numerous obstacles in his early life. However, thanks to the organization, Giacomo found his path in life, proving that with the right support and opportunities, even the most disadvantaged youth can thrive and succeed.
A Chance in Life’s origins trace back to a time when countless orphans and vulnerable children were left to fend for themselves on the streets of post-war Italy. Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing, deeply moved by their plight, made it his life’s mission to provide these children with education and a better future. This commitment led to the establishment of A Chance in Life and the founding of “La Repubblica dei Ragazzi” and “La Città dei Ragazzi,” institutions aimed at giving these children “a chance in life.”
One of the unique aspects of A Chance in Life’s approach is its focus on self-governance. Recognizing that many of the children had developed a strong sense of independence after living on their own, Monsignor Carroll-Abbing implemented a visionary model of youth development. This model allowed children the responsibility and opportunity to govern their own communities, fostering a sense of autonomy and leadership skills.
Over the decades, A Chance in Life has adapted to the evolving needs of young people worldwide. With the increasing number of refugee and migrant youth seeking refuge and opportunity in Italy, the organization expanded its reach to provide a home and support for children from over 20 countries.
Today, A Chance in Life’s approach has evolved into Positive Youth Development (PYD) and has been shared with partners in 12 countries, benefiting over 45,000 young people. This global impact reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth to become leaders in their communities.
