The Bowery Mission's 2025 Valentine Gala

Our 26th Annual Valentine Gala was held Thursday, February 13. Amidst the challenges of rising homelessness in New York City, we celebrated The Bowery Mission’s steadfast commitment to meeting urgent needs and providing transformative community for our neighbors in need. We are so grateful to our gala honoree George Oliphant, the host of NBC’s inspiring home renovation show George to the Rescue. George and his team transformed the career center and staff lounge at our flagship campus last fall, setting a new standard for our facilities as we seek to serve with the highest level of hospitality.

Thanks to your generosity, $1.7 million was raised, which will directly support The Bowery Mission’s services. Our 380 attendees enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing and connecting with friends new and old at The Plaza. We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us in ensuring The Bowery Mission remains a place where neighbors receive God’s love and can journey out of homelessness into new lives of joy and purpose.

"The Bowery Mission is about more than meeting needs; it’s about restoring dignity. It’s about telling those who’ve been forgotten: You matter. Your story isn’t over. Hope is still alive."

— George Oliphant, 2025 Valentine Gala Honoree and Host of NBC’s George to the Rescue

Since the 1870s, The Bowery Mission has been a place of welcome, care and healing for New York neighbors. This event supports our emergency meal and shelter services, as well as our residential programs that provide individualized, holistic care for men and women journeying to independent living. The Mission also offers year-round enrichment opportunities for youth which culminate in an unforgettable summer camp experience.

At this year’s Gala, we heard from our Chef Raffaele, a graduate of our residential programs who now leads our Food Services team. He came to The Bowery Mission after experiencing deep personal tragedy, which sent him into a pattern of addiction and eventually to prison. Learn more about his path to healing through the Mission — and how we extend that care to everyone who walks through our doors.

"My time at The Bowery Mission changed my life. I found myself and the plan that God has for me."

–Raffaele DePalma, Executive Chef of The Bowery Mission and Residential Programs Graduate

Honoring

George Oliphant

Emmy Award-winning host & Executive Producer
George to the Rescue

• George Oliphant is an Emmy Award-winning host, home improvement expert, and adventurer. As the face of NBC’s George to the Rescue, George has spent over 15 seasons transforming homes and lives, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lifestyle Series. Read More

  Born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, George grew up as a competitive ski racer turned extreme skier. He began his TV career as a VJ for mtvU and later launched MTV’s first high-definition channel, MHD. His love of adventure led him to host LXTV’s 1st Look, where he tackled everything from skydiving to scuba diving. He also served as the face of skier safety for Vail Resorts and covered the 2010 Winter Olympics for NBC.

  A frequent contributor to the Today Show, George shares home improvement tips and heartwarming stories, including a live reveal of George to the Rescue project.

  George lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with his wife, three sons and young daughter. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Montclair Public Library and supports his sons’ involvement in Montclair Rowing.