On Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 PM the Advisory Board of the Bronx Academy of Letters will be honoring my youngest sister, Joan Sullivan, at the school’s 8th Annual Benefit. Joan is the Founding Principal of the BAL, a former All-American lacrosse player at Yale University. She was recently appointed the Deputy Mayor of Education for the City of Los Angeles. She is also a brilliant and inspired speaker.
She began the BAL, a New York City public middle and high school, 8 years ago with the simple idea that she wanted to give to her students some of the best things she had had as a student: quality education; chances to travel; a strong library; a vibrant music and drama program; serious athletics; and most of all a path to college. And she wanted to bring all this to under-served students in the South Bronx. When she left the school for her position in Los Angeles she left behind a thriving well-structured school. But it continues to need all of our support so that all the extras that make for a complete and rich education can be afforded these students.
The event will be held at the Italian Academy at Columbia University, and will include a chef tasting featuring some of the city’s finest chefs: Marco Canora (formerly with Craft), Andrew Carmellini (most recently with A Voce), David Chang (Momofuku), Gabrielle Hamilton (Prune), Pino Luongo (Centolire) and Julian Medina (Yerba Buena).
I promise it will be a great time while also supporting a great cause! If you would like to purchase a ticket ($150) for the event on May 13, please click on the link below.
To purchase tickets please click here
To purchase tickets please click here
MARTHA McPHEE 
Hi Martha,
I’m planning to attend this good cause on Thursday. I participated in the 40 day Arica training with your stepfather Dan. Our group had a final meeting at your farm. Joan was just a baby then. I became a nurse after that and have worked in the Bronx for the past 25 years. I can appreciate all that she has done.
Wow. Thanks for writing. Please make sure you introduce yourself. My mother will be there. I’m so glad you saw this. I look forward to meeting you.