Join us as we Celebrate 95 Years of Inspiring Youth and Building Global Leaders
Honoring Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera
With Master of ceremonies, Shannon Hedvat
The TWA Hotel at JFK | New York
Reunion Weekend: October 24-26, 2025
Gala: Saturday, October 25 | 6pm Cocktails, 7pm Dinner
Reunion Weekend Schedule:
Friday, October 24, 6-8PM - Reunion Cocktail Reception
Saturday, October 25, 8am-4pm - Reunion Activities
Sunday, October 26, 9am - Farewell Breakfast
REGISTration is closed
Can’t make it to the Gala or Reunion? Please consider making a gift to LAJF and Camp Rising Sun in honor of the 95th Anniversary:
The Louis August Jonas Foundation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. The estimated value of goods and services provided per Gala ticket is $200. The amount of your contribution that may be tax-deductible is $300.
Want to be a Gala Sponsor?
Please see below for details about our Sponsorship Levels and then reach out to us at celebration95@lajf.org with any questions.
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PILLAR SPONSOR – $25,000
Building the foundation for future changemakers
Premier logo placement on event signage, materials, and website
Sponsor 2 campers
One VIP table (10 guests) + 5 sponsored tickets for recent campers
Full-page ad in the Gala journal (prime placement)
Recognition during the Gala program
Featured spotlight on LAJF’s social media and digital channels
Inclusion in Gala press materials
VISIONARY SPONSOR – $10,000
Lighting the path for tomorrow’s global leaders
Premier logo placement on event signage, materials, and website
One VIP table (10 guests) + 10 sponsored tickets for recent campers
Full-page ad in the Gala journal (prime placement)
Recognition during the Gala program
Featured spotlight on LAJF’s social media and digital channels
Inclusion in Gala press materials
INNOVATOR SPONSOR – $7,500
Shaping generations for the future
One table (10 guests)
Sponsored item worth $3,500 or 7 seats
Full page ad in Gala journal
Logo placement on signage and website
Recognition in social media and Gala program
INSPIRATION SPONSOR – $5,000
Empowering youth to lead with purpose
One table (10 guests)
Half-page ad in Gala journal
Logo placement on signage and website
Recognition in social media and Gala program
TRAILBLAZER SPONSOR – $2,500
Forging paths for young leaders
Six (6) Gala tickets
Quarter-page ad in Gala journal
Name/logo on website and in program
FRIEND OF LAJF – $1,200
Celebrating 95 years of connection and growth
Two (2) Gala tickets
Name listed in Gala journal
ABOUT OUR HONOREES
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Bill Dubey is a Rising Sun alum, attending CRS from 1940-1942. He attended Harvard University and served in the Navy V-12 program at Harvard, then midshipman’s school and commissioned Ensign in 1944. After Navy discharge, Bill returned to Harvard and graduated in 1946. After his studies, he had a career in the packaging industry for 30 years. He was the Executive Director of the Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) from 1977 to 1986. He then went onto become the Executive Director of Opportunity to Learn, a non-profit that helped immigrant high school students improve their English language skills. He and his wife, Nancy, moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1993 and there, he helped to form the Camp Rising Sun New Mexico selection committee. He and Nancy currently reside in San Diego. He is proud of his years of service to LAJF and Camp Rising Sun and is an honorary member of the CRS Old House Fellowship.
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In many ways, Helene feels as though she has been in training to be LAJF Executive Director since she was sixteen years old. After attending CRS as a camper in ‘97 and ‘98, Helene started on a lifelong journey that would eventually bring her back to Camp, first as a camp counselor, a visiting artist, Camp Director, Director of Programs and finally in the role of Executive Director.
Helene earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College, where she studied youth development and non-school based youth programming. She then went on to pursue a graduate degree in social work with a focus on children, youth, and families. Before returning to LAJF as Executive Director, Helene was the Executive Director at St. Raymond Community Outreach, where she organized enrichment and recreational programs for children, youth, and adults.
CRS fundamentally changed the trajectory of Helene’s life, and for that reason, she has dedicated herself to paying forward the experience to future generations of campers.
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Shannon is a stand-up comedian with roots at Second City in Chicago and The PIT in New York City. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural background, she transforms everyday encounters into unexpected comedy gold, earning her the reputation of Loose Cannon Shannon.
Shannon has performed at comedy festivals and contests across the country, from the annual Solocom Comedy Festival at The PIT in New York City to Flappers in Burbank where she was a finalist in Uncle Clyde's Comedy Contest. Off stage, Shannon puts her engineering and legal educational backgrounds to work in the world of patent infringement litigation because the only thing harder than protecting an invention is landing the perfect punchline.
95th Anniversary Weekend Itinerary
Join alumni, friends, and supporters from around the world for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and celebration as we honor 95 years of Camp Rising Sun.
If you're driving, there's a special parking rate at the TWA Hotel if you mention you are attending the LAJF event:
$20 (plus tax and fees) for up to 10 hours
$65 (plus tax and fees) for overnight parking
Accommodations at the TWA are booked—please reach out to our team at celebration95@lajf.org with any questions.
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Friday Evening – Welcome Reception
Arrive, settle in, and step back in time at our retro-chic Welcome Reception in the Sunken Lounge, complete with swizzle sticks, mid-century charm, and skyline views.
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Saturday Daytime – Learning, Sharing, and Reconnecting
8:00am: Check-in and Breakfast
We'll start the day with a State of the Camp address from LAJF leadership, while reconnecting with fellow alumni.
Reunion Activities continue until 4pm: Guided instructions, collaborative discussions, hands-on “construction” activities, and reminiscence with Camp songs over lunch.
Choose from topics like political engagement, resilience in times of change, radical imagination, and more. Share your Camp stories over lunch and contribute to a collective display capturing the spirit of Camp Rising Sun. We’ll close the day’s sessions with reflections, songs, and connections before breaking to prepare for the evening’s festivities.
Saturday Evening – 95th Anniversary Gala
Gather in the stunning Constellation Ballroom for a milestone celebration honoring Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera. Enjoy an evening of dining, laughter, and inspiration as we celebrate our past, present, and future together while raising money for LAJF.
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Sunday – Farewell
9:00am: Completion Breakfast
Wrap up the Reunion Weekend with community! Close the weekend over breakfast with friends, reflecting on the connections made and committing to one action in the next 90 days that supports LAJF’s mission and values. Depart with renewed purpose and lasting memories.
CRS Alumni: In Memoriam
We will be including an “In Memoriam” tribute at the Gala to celebrate the lives of alumni who have passed. Please submit the form below with any information about an alum who you would like to make sure is honored at the event:
Questions?
See our FAQs below and Email us at celebration95@lajf.org if you need additional information.
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General Event Questions
1. What is the 95th Anniversary Reunion and Gala?
It’s a weekend celebration of LAJF’s 95 years of Inspiring Youth and Building Global Leaders, featuring a Friday welcome reception, Saturday reunion programming, and a Saturday evening Gala honoring two distinguished alumni—all while reconnecting with the CRS community and supporting LAJF’s mission.2. Who is invited to attend?
All alumni, past and present volunteers, supporters, and friends of LAJF are warmly invited. Whether you were involved decades ago or recently, you’re a valued part of this milestone.3. Where is the event taking place?
The TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport, 1 Idlewild Drive, Queens, NY 11430.All events will take place on-site for a convenient and immersive weekend experience.
4. Do I need to attend the entire weekend?
No. You’re welcome to attend just the reunion programming, just the Gala, or both!Reunion Questions
5. What can I expect at the reunion on Saturday?
Workshops and instructions, speaker presentations, interactive sessions, and plenty of time to reconnect over meals and casual conversations. It will be both thought-provoking and energizing—true to the CRS spirit!6. Will there be activities for different generations or age groups?
Yes! We’re curating programming with a wide range of alumni in mind, from recent campers to early participants. There will be something for everyone.7. What’s the dress code for the reunion events?
Smart casual. Be comfortable but polished.Gala Questions
8. What’s the dress code for the Gala?
Semi-Formal or festive cocktail attire. It’s a celebration, so feel free to dress up and have fun with it!9. Who are the honorees?
We’ll be honoring Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera for their extraordinary contributions to the LAJF community.10. Will there be a fundraising component?
Yes, the Gala is a charitable event. There will be opportunities throughout the evening to support LAJF’s future, including a live appeal and more. $300 of the event ticket is tax-deductible.Registration & Logistics
11. How do I register?
You can register here.12. What does the registration fee include?
Reunion fee includes: Welcome cocktail reception, Breakfast Saturday and Sunday, Lunch Saturday, workshops, speaker presentations, interactive sessions.Gala fee includes: Cocktail reception, dinner, speakers and entertainment. $300 of the gala ticket is tax-deductible.
13. Can I bring a guest?
Absolutely! Guests are welcome. Please register them when you sign up.14. Will lodging be available?
Hotel accommodations at the TWA Hotel are available to add during registration for $290/night. You may choose between a single king, or double queen.15. What’s the best way to stay updated on event news?
We’ll be sending email updates and posting on Facebook, Instagram, and Linked In. Stay tuned for more surprises and speaker announcements!Support & Contact
16. I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs. What should I do?
You may send any dietary restrictions to celebration95@lajf.org. We’re committed to making the event inclusive and accommodating.17. Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please reach out to celebration95@lajf.org with any questions—we’re happy to help!
Current Alumni Guest List
Cindy Abramson ('89)
Avi Blecherman ('85)
Tony Bonilla ('74-'75)
Damian Brennan ('87)
Christina Busso ('93-'94)
Thomas Cabaniss ('78)
Joseph Carrese ('73-'74)
Bradley Cohen ('74)
Pete Comas ('89)
Timothy Conners ('73)
Thomas Corcoran ('79-'80)
Colin Crosby ('12-'13)
Gerald DiDonato ('74-'75)
Bill Dubey ('40-'42, '77-'86)
Gideon Evans (‘87-‘88)
Jill Fieldstein
Larry Fried ('83-'84)
Barrington Fulton ('99, '00)
Jay Gammell ('71, '23)
Peter Giacone ('83)
Mitchell Goldstein ('67-'68)
Jonathan Gross ('78-'79)
Mia Khatcherian (‘05)
Ali Murat Koknar (‘83)
Laila Kouklanakis ('22-'23)
Inna Kuvich (‘01-‘02, ‘06)
Mary Lockhart
Mariella Martinez (‘92-‘93)
Helene Mattera ('97, '00-'01, '15-'25)
Thalia Pantelis Nierenberg (‘98)
Charles I. Passy (‘78-‘79, ‘83, ‘85)
Peter Pope ('73-'74, '77)
Anthony Christopher Ramdass (‘74-‘75)
Russell Randall ('15)
Joseph A. Riddle (‘88, ‘95, ‘97)
Johnny Ross ('10)
Janine Rubitski
Marcin Rybczynski ('79)
Carl Schoenberger (‘66-‘67)
Rob M. Schwarcz (‘87-‘88)
Evan Schwartz (‘05-’07, ‘10-‘11, ‘15, ‘24)
Jonathan Schwartz (‘00-‘01, ‘07)
Joshua Schwartz ('67-'68)
Mickey Seabrook ('70)
Charelle Shaw
Jeffrey Siegel (‘91-‘92)
Josh Sean Thomases (‘88)
Camille Torres (‘90)
Cris Velarde ('74, '79)
Mira Wagabaza ('22)
Chuck Wardlaw ('69)
Timothy C. Wong (‘78-'79)
Hooman Yaghoobzadeh (‘87-‘88)
Steven Yuniver (‘01-‘02)
Sasha Zolley (‘98)
Cindy Abramson ('89) Avi Blecherman ('85) Tony Bonilla ('74-'75) Damian Brennan ('87) Christina Busso ('93-'94) Thomas Cabaniss ('78) Joseph Carrese ('73-'74) Bradley Cohen ('74) Pete Comas ('89) Timothy Conners ('73) Thomas Corcoran ('79-'80) Colin Crosby ('12-'13) Gerald DiDonato ('74-'75) Bill Dubey ('40-'42, '77-'86) Gideon Evans (‘87-‘88) Jill Fieldstein Larry Fried ('83-'84) Barrington Fulton ('99, '00) Jay Gammell ('71, '23) Peter Giacone ('83) Mitchell Goldstein ('67-'68) Jonathan Gross ('78-'79) Mia Khatcherian (‘05) Ali Murat Koknar (‘83) Laila Kouklanakis ('22-'23) Inna Kuvich (‘01-‘02, ‘06) Mary Lockhart Mariella Martinez (‘92-‘93) Helene Mattera ('97, '00-'01, '15-'25) Thalia Pantelis Nierenberg (‘98) Charles I. Passy (‘78-‘79, ‘83, ‘85) Peter Pope ('73-'74, '77) Anthony Christopher Ramdass (‘74-‘75) Russell Randall ('15) Joseph A. Riddle (‘88, ‘95, ‘97) Johnny Ross ('10) Janine Rubitski Marcin Rybczynski ('79) Carl Schoenberger (‘66-‘67) Rob M. Schwarcz (‘87-‘88) Evan Schwartz (‘05-’07, ‘10-‘11, ‘15, ‘24) Jonathan Schwartz (‘00-‘01, ‘07) Joshua Schwartz ('67-'68) Mickey Seabrook ('70) Charelle Shaw Jeffrey Siegel (‘91-‘92) Josh Sean Thomases (‘88) Camille Torres (‘90) Cris Velarde ('74, '79) Mira Wagabaza ('22) Chuck Wardlaw ('69) Timothy C. Wong (‘78-'79) Hooman Yaghoobzadeh (‘87-‘88) Steven Yuniver (‘01-‘02) Sasha Zolley (‘98)
PILLAR SPONSOR
James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation
VISIONARY SPONSORS
Deborah and Eric Edell
