Gary and Layla Lisiewski join forces with LaunchPad to raise over $200,000 for young adults facing barriers
Rasheed J. Daniel [right] and LaunchPad Award Winners
The third annual Showtime Gala brought together nearly 200 community leaders, business executives, and philanthropists for an inspiring evening of celebration, recognition, and purpose—raising over $200,000 to fuel LaunchPad’s mission of creating access and opportunity for emerging talent.
A Night to Celebrate Opportunity and Impact
On November 6th, 2025, The Village in Stamford, CT, came alive for LaunchPad’s third annual Showtime Gala. Now a signature celebration, Showtime has become a milestone event for honoring leaders, spotlighting emerging talent, and rallying support for LaunchPad’s mission to empower young adults facing barriers to meaningful careers.
The evening was emceed by LaunchPad Board Member and entertainment executive Rasheed J. Daniel, whose energy and presence set an inspiring tone for the night.
Leadership and Recognition
LaunchPad’s founding chairman, Brent Montgomery, welcomed the audience with remarks reflecting on the organization’s growth, impact, and vision. Brent then shared heartleft stories reflecting the impact of Gary and Layla Lisiewski, whose leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to opportunity exemplify the values LaunchPad instills in all its participants.
Gary and Layla took the stage as honorees and co-hosts. Gary, founder of Level One Fund, and Layla, founder of Local Moms Network, brought not only their professional expertise and networks but also their shared dedication to empowering young adults through community and opportunity.
Gary delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of access and opportunity, told through the eyes of LaunchPad participant Gloria Owusu, who joined him and Layla on stage. His message challenged the audience to take action and support LaunchPad’s mission, reinforcing that when young adults are given guidance, resources, and exposure, they can truly transform their own lives and communities.
A Powerful Visual Story: The LaunchPad Video
Following the Lisiewskis’ recognition, LaunchPad Board Member Makeda Mays Green introduced a deeply impactful video that showcased the real-world experiences of LaunchPad participants. The video captured the transformative power of mentorship, career discovery, and access to opportunity—underscoring the reason the gala exists and why supporters’ contributions matter.
Celebrating Emerging Talent: The Inaugural LaunchPad Awards
The evening continued with the inaugural LaunchPad Awards, recognizing the top emerging talent in the program. The room erupted with enthusiasm as recipients were announced, celebrating resilience, creativity, and achievement. These awards not only honored the accomplishments of young adults but also highlighted the tangible ways LaunchPad creates pathways to careers in entertainment, sports, and finance.
Rising Stars
Celebrating noteworthy emerging talent in our program that are doing everything right and moving fast
Adonis Smitth
Malachi Davis
Raady Rahman
Alumni of the Year
Celebrating the impact of LaunchPad following the program and inspiring future alumni with their actions and volunteerism
Sahil Laul
Project of the Year
Honoring a notable, high-impact project with commercial success...and the outstanding talent behind it
Mishel Noboa at Monogram Mary
Above and Beyond
Celebrating a moment or journey of immediate and sustained impact on a commercial project
Bushra Farook at Team Sheed
The Perseverance Award
Recognizing those that break through barriers and challenges to rise up—and embody the spirit of LaunchPad
Gloria Owusu
And finally….
Talent of the Year
Recognizing profound personal and professional skill, growth and impact, within and outside of the LaunchPad program
Tie between:
Dorian Robinson
Wilson Valios
Fundraising and Making Opportunity Possible
The program concluded with a fundraising portion that inspired generosity and action. George Norfleet announced his support of LaunchPad’s newly revealed PA Bootcamp, demonstrating how donors’ contributions directly fuel impactful programs.
Overall, the gala raised over $200,000 through ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and a spirited live auction. The top auction item, a Golf Channel U.S. Open Experience, generated excitement and helped maximize contributions. Design Within Reach, a marquee sponsor, also created a stylish pop-up lounge for guests.
Thank you to our sponsors that made the evening special. And incredibly impactful. Your support not only makes Showtime a huge success but reverberates throughout the year.
All funds will be deployed exclusively to support LaunchPad participants, enabling larger program cohorts, regional expansion, and more gigs, internships, and jobs for those who need them most.
About LaunchPad
LaunchPad creates access and opportunity for emerging, underrepresented talent in entertainment, sports, and finance. Powered by Wheelhouse and The Village Community Foundation, LaunchPad connects young adults to career discovery, experiential learning, internships, and jobs that change lives.
