The Doe Fund's 2011 Annual Gala

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On Thursday, October 27, more than 600 New Yorkers celebrated the immense potential of Generation Blue, the youngest group of Ready, Willing & Able trainees at Cipriani 42nd Street.

The guest list included Mayor David Dinkins, acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Irina Shayk, Lenay Dunn, Rebecca Crew, and fashion icons Steve Madden, Phillip Bloch, and Betsey Johnson.

Speakers included Academy Award nominated actress Kathleen Turner — who flipped the switch" at the Empire State Building the following day — and acclaimed chef and restaurateur Madison Cowan, who recounted his own history of homelessness.

Our three Generation Blue speakers — Damian, Rayqauin, and Robert — stole the evening with accounts of their inspirational journeys through harrowing childhoods. Damian's words echoed the stories of so many young men at The Doe Fund: "I'm one of the lucky ones. I found my way to Ready, Willing & Able — and my life was transformed — or as they would say here — I transformed my life myself."