Celebrating 95 Years of Inspiring Youth and Building Global Leaders
October 24-26, 2025
The TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport in New York City
Honoring
Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera
Celebrate 95 years of Camp Rising Sun with two exciting events—our Reunion + Gala—that will make for a full weekend of reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and rallying around LAJF’s mission.
The reunion kicks off Friday with a welcome reception, followed by a full Saturday of reconnecting with fellow global-minded thinkers, sparking new ideas through workshops and speaker sessions, and enjoying meals together that leave plenty of time to mingle and network. It’s a weekend to recharge your CRS spirit and expand your thinking with fellow alumni. Stay tuned—we’ve got some inspiring programming lined up that you won’t want to miss!
Saturday night, we’ll come together for our charitable Gala, a festive and meaningful evening honoring Bill Dubey and Helene Mattera. Held in the beautiful Constellation Ballroom, the event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, remarks from our honorees, and stories from recent campers about the life-changing impact of CRS. Expect great conversations, plenty of laughter, and a celebration to remember—all while raising critical funds to carry LAJF forward into the next 95 years of Inspiring Youth and Building Global Leaders.
Reunion Weekend Ticket (October 24-26): $500
Gala Ticket (October 25): $500
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 to confirm your sponsorship.
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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
Our Honorees
Bill Dubey (CRS 1940-1942; LAJF Executive Director 1977-1986)
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.
Helene Mattera (CRS '97-’98, '00-'01; LAJF Executive Director 2015-2025)
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.
Weekend Itinerary:
Friday Night: Arrive and enjoy a retro-chic welcome reception in the Sunken Lounge, complete with swizzle sticks and skyline views.
Saturday: Mingle with fellow alumni over breakfast and lunch, join insightful alumni-led sessions, and explore the hotel’s unique amenities—including a cocktail bar inside a vintage 1958 Lockheed Constellation and exhibits curated by the New York Historical Society.
Saturday Night: Dress to impress for our dazzling 95th Anniversary Gala in the Constellation Ballroom.
Sunday Morning: Share one last breakfast with friends before farewells.
Accommodations:
Hotel accommodations at the TWA Hotel are available to add during registration for $290/night.
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)
Joseph Carrese (‘73, ‘74)
Bradley Cohen (‘74)
Pete Comas (‘89)
Timothy Conners (‘73)
Thomas Corcoran (‘79, ‘80)
Gerald DiDonato (‘74, ‘75)
Bill Dubey (‘40-’42, ‘77-’86)
Gideon Evans (‘87, ‘88)
Jill Fieldstein
Larry Fried (‘83, ‘84)
Jay Gammell (‘71, ‘23)
Peter Giacone (‘83)
Jonathan Gross (‘78, ‘79)
Ali Murat Koknar (‘83)
Inna Kuvich (‘01, ‘02, ‘06)
Mary Lockhart
Mariella Martinez (‘92, ‘93)
Thalia Pantelis Nierenberg (‘98)
Charles I. Passy (‘78, ‘79, ‘83, ‘85)
Anthony Christopher Ramdass (‘74, ‘75)
Joseph A. Riddle (‘88, ‘95, ‘97)
Janine Rubitski
Carl Schoenberger (‘66, ‘67)
Rob M. Schwarcz (‘87, ‘88)
Evan Schwartz (‘05-’07, ‘10, ‘11, ‘15, ‘24)
Jonathan Schwartz (‘00, ‘01, ‘07)
Charelle Shaw
Josh Sean Thomases (‘88)
Camille Torres (‘90)
Timothy C. Wong (‘78, ‘79)
Hooman Yaghoobzadeh (‘87, ‘88)
Steven Yuniver (‘01, ‘02)
Sasha Zolley (‘98)