Cypress Celebrates: Stronger Together

Thank you for your support

Thank you for making 2025 Cypress Celebrates: Stronger Together with UCC such a powerful and joy-filled evening.

Whether you were in the room or supporting from afar, your energy, generosity, and belief in our mission carried the night—and the work forward.

Together, we raised critical support for Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation and our partners at United Community Centers, fueling affordable housing, youth leadership, immigrant rights, food access, and more for families in East New York.

🎉 Thanks to your generosity, we’re within reach of our fundraising goal and there’s still time to help us get all the way there!

If you haven’t had a chance yet, or feel inspired to give again, we invite you to make a donation today. Every gift brings us closer to a stronger, more equitable future for our community.

Thank you for showing up, giving back, and standing with us. Let’s keep the momentum going, together.

Give Now, Grow Together

A Special Thank You to Citi Foundation

Over the years, Citi has also supported our organization in developing supportive housing for senior citizens and acquiring and rehabilitating HUD foreclosed small homes into first-time homebuying opportunities. With Citi and Citi Foundation’s support, CHLDC has been able to meet the moment and scale solutions to match the urgency of the housing crisis our community faces.

Watch Video Tribute

Meet the Honorees

Legacy Award Honoree

Michelle Neugebauer

Michelle Neugebauer is a visionary leader, tireless
advocate, and lifelong organizer whose deep
commitment to justice has transformed the Cypress
Hills and East New York neighborhoods—and inspired
community development efforts citywide. As the
founding full-time staff member and longtime Executive
Director of Cypress Hills Local Development
Corporation (CHLDC), Michelle has spent over 40 years building one of New York City’s most impactful, holistic, and people-powered organizations.

Community Leader Honoree

Melodye Harvey

For nearly 14 years, Melodye Harvey has served as a
dedicated and trusted member of the Cypress Hills
Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) Board of
Directors. A lifelong resident of East New York, Melodye has lived in the community for over 50 years and has spent her life working to ensure that her neighborhood is one where families can thrive, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Board Leader Honoree

Michael Golan

Michael Golan’s lifelong commitment to community
justice and grassroots leadership began at just 15 years old, when he first joined the United Community Centers (UCC.) Drawn to its mission of bringing together people from all races, religions, and backgrounds to organize for social change, Michael found a second home at UCC: a place where activism and collective purpose thrived.

Donate Now