Transforming Lives 2025
Transforming Lives 2025
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Transforming Lives Gala possible. We welcomed 221 guests to celebrate everyone supporting our mission to transform lives, from long-time supporters to those joining us for the first time. This year, we returned back to last year’s venue Tribeca Rooftop which provided the perfect backdrop for a night of inspiring speeches, heartfelt stories, and meaningful connections.
Thanks to all of your efforts, we raised $426,045.
Meet Our 2025 Circle of Mercy Honorees
Pati Frey
Pati Frey is an artist, philanthropist, and businesswoman dedicated to service and social justice. After a 20-year career at FedEx, she focused on global causes, including World Vision, Bread for the World, and RecycloCraftz Zambia. She’s a founding member of the Strong Women Strong World Advisory Board and supports numerous U.S. nonprofits. A skilled quilt maker with a degree in textiles, Frey also practices yoga and meditation. Her connection to Mercy Center began through a friend, and she has supported its mission with donations and advocacy. Frey believes deeply in giving back: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Maria Brinkmann
For Maria Brinkmann, “the welcome, the work, and the joy” define Mercy Center—a spirit she first encountered in 2012 while co-teaching the children’s choir. Since then, she’s served on the Gala, Development, and Governance Committees, and the Board of Directors. A graduate of Mercy schools and an NYU Tisch-trained performer, Maria spent nearly a decade on stage before becoming a litigator advocating for policyholders. Named a 2024 Woman Worth Watching in Leadership, she values community and social justice. Maria’s deep Mercy roots, faith, and service continue to shape her life, work, and family alongside husband Michael and their children.
Stephen Powers
Stephen is a co-founder of OPEN Impact Real Estate. He has 17 years of commercial real estate experience dedicated to serving nonprofits. Stephen has completed over eight million square feet of transactions for his nonprofit clients, while ensuring that the real estate strategy is always driven by mission and operational/programmatic goals. Stephen was nominated for the Real Estate Board of New York’s Most Ingenious Deal of the Year and recognized by Crain’s New York Business Notables in Real Estate. A creative problem-solver, he specializes in producing out-of-the box real estate solutions for his clients.
Lindsay Ornstein
Lindsay co-founded OPEN Impact Real Estate, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, to align real estate strategy with mission-driven goals. With a 20+ year career and over 10 million square feet of transactions, she has represented clients like JPMorgan Chase, Robin Hood Foundation, and KIPP. Lindsay’s accolades include Bisnow’s “PowerWomen,” REBNY’s “Young Real Estate Professional of the Year,” and CPE’s “Female Leader of the Year.” A Penn grad, she founded the Women’s Varsity Golf Team and graduated summa cum laude. She actively gives back through roles with the Dream Foundation, American Heart Association, and Yeshiva University.
Transformation Award Recipient
Meet Veronica Martinez, a Mercy Center participant and part-time receptionist whose warm smile welcomes all who enter. Originally from Mexico, Veronica came to the U.S. at 16 to support her family, learning English while working as a nanny. Now, she and her husband Marco are raising three children: Dayana, Andrea, and Oliver. In 2020, facing pandemic-related hardships, Veronica turned to Mercy Center for support. Through the Familia Adelante program, she set personal goals, completed her HSE coursework, got her driver’s license, and learned how to support her children’s education. Veronica embodies resilience, growth, and the spirit of Mercy Center.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!
Host Committee
Roseann Bonadia
Mary and Sean Davey
Joe Dirr and Linda Rapuano
Nancy and Christopher Gallin
Barry J. Gilman
Hispanic Federation
Ann Harris-Jacobs
John Macones
Jack Schmitt and Sylvia Picard-Schmitt
Michael Termini
Gala Committee
Daria Pizzetta
Linda Camardo
Nancy Gallin
Barry J. Gilman
Robin Lange
Joan McGillycuddy
Jackie Ostick
Honorary Chairs
The Adcroft Family
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York
Stephen and Shari Coats
Biana Cofino
Tim O’Connor and Peggy Rafferty
Daria Pizzetta and Charles Brown
MaryAnn Rich
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