A community connection
Gramercy neighbors’ support for the LIFT Study Program dates to 1989, before the Gramercy Park Block Association was founded. The Block Association later became part of that community tradition, helping children experiencing homelessness or other difficult circumstances access education and the arts.
More than a scholarship
The Block Association’s Project LIFT page describes scholarships for year-round study and summer programs, mentoring and tutoring, backpacks, clothing, books and educational materials. It also records providing laptops for remote learning, performance tickets and help raising college tuition.
A place in the neighborhood’s cultural life
A July 2014 letter described years of clothing, book and educational-supply drives supporting LIFT. It also recalled New York Theatre Ballet performances of The Nutcracker at the Block Association holiday gatherings at The Players and the National Arts Club.
2004
A performance with a purpose
A March 25, 2004 Town & Village report describes a special performance of Cinderella followed by a ball supporting New York Theatre Ballet. The company faced a $50,000 funding shortfall while enrollment in its LIFT scholarship program was growing.
Arlene Harrison, Tara Rockefeller and Susan Sutherland co-chaired the event. The Block Association was a sponsor alongside Sharon Ullman and the 23rd Street Association. Guests joined ballroom-dance lessons, made crowns and tiaras, met cast members and took part in a silent auction and raffle.
Diana Byer highlighted students’ progress, and neighbors contributed through the benefit committee.
2013
Helping the ballet find space
A September 2013 newsletter described the search that preceded the move. Arlene Harrison was working with Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership executive director Jennifer Brown to help New York Theatre Ballet find suitable space after its longtime church building was sold. The company needed room for classes and rehearsals, with sufficient ceiling height and an open floor.
A new home in 2014
The July 2014 letter shared news that New York Theatre Ballet had found a home at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery after needing to leave its longtime space. The Block Association thanked Council Member Rosie Mendez for her help.
2017
Beyond the classroom
A July 2017 newsletter reported that the Block Association had sponsored tickets to the Metropolitan Opera House for LIFT children. It also appealed for college support for a former participant—another example of a relationship that could continue as a young person grew older.
2017
A college scholarship secured
The August 2017 follow-up reported that the college appeal had raised the funding for a LIFT graduate’s first year at Montclair State University. The result extended an earlier relationship of mentoring, study and practical help into higher education.
2021
A scholarship for Emely
The Block Association’s April 27, 2021 newsletter reported a scholarship awarded to twelve-year-old Emely, a Project LIFT student. It pictured New York Theatre Ballet founder Diana Byer collecting the donation and described the support as making continued dance study possible.
2024
Practical help alongside a scholarship
The December 2024 Neighbors Helping Neighbors account recorded the Block Association providing a computer for a Project LIFT student.
Helping a young person keep going
Explore the Block Association’s support for children and young people.
Sources & historical context
Based on the Block Association’s published records, including the distributed September 26, 2013, April 27, 2021 and December 23, 2024 newsletters.