Hidden Gems plans inaugural Arrows & Impact Gala to fund free youth archery in NYC

Hidden Gems will host its first Arrows & Impact Gala on Oct. 3 in Manhattan, aiming to raise $200,000 for free youth archery, social-emotional learning and STEAM programs across New York City. The nonprofit says the funding will help expand all-day archery experiences in underserved communities in 2027.

Why it matters: - Hidden Gems is trying to widen access to archery for young people in New York City, especially in underserved communities. - The gala is designed to raise money for free programming that blends athletics, social-emotional learning and STEAM education. - The organization says the effort will help build confidence, leadership, teamwork and pathways into competitive archery.

What happened: - Hidden Gems, Inc. announced the inaugural Hidden Gems Arrows & Impact Gala 2026. - The gala is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The event will be held at Casa CeCe's in Manhattan. - The gala theme is “Honoring Our Journey, Shooting for the Stars.” - Hidden Gems set a fundraising goal of $200,000. - Tickets are priced at $200. - Sponsorships range up to a $25,000 Presenting Sponsor package. - More information is available at the gala page.

The details: - The event is expected to draw about 150 to 175 guests. - Awards will recognize contributions in education, youth development, public service, community leadership, philanthropy and archery. - The gala will honor people and organizations through six recognition categories: Aim High Education Honorees, Archery Pioneers Awards, Bullseye Impact Awards, Foundation Builder Awards, Future Archery Pro Stars Awards and Public Impact Leader Awards. - Confirmed honorees include New York State Sen. Jamaal Bailey and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. - Other honorees come from New York City Public Schools, youth-serving organizations and the archery community. - Proceeds will support the expansion of free, all-day youth archery experiences across New York City Council districts in 2027. - Hidden Gems also plans to expand adaptive archery programming for students with disabilities and youth on the autism spectrum. - The organization uses archery alongside social-emotional learning and STEAM-based educational experiences.

Between the lines: - The gala signals that Hidden Gems is moving from direct programming to a broader fundraising model aimed at scaling citywide. - The emphasis on adaptive programming suggests the organization is trying to make archery more inclusive and accessible, not just more available. - The mix of educators, elected officials, community leaders and corporate partners shows the group is building a cross-sector support base for long-term growth.

What's next: - Hidden Gems will use gala proceeds to expand free youth archery opportunities in 2027. - The nonprofit plans to continue building school partnerships, community programs and inclusive recreational offerings. - The October event will also serve as a public showcase for the organization's next phase of growth.

The bottom line: - Hidden Gems is betting that a high-profile gala can turn community support into sustained access to youth archery across New York City.