The 2017 Mayor's Benefit Gala raised over $55,000 for the Young Scholars Program.

The event, hosted by Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and his wife Susan, was held on April 29th at the Radisson in Utica.

Pamela Matt is the Executive Director of Young Scholars, whose goal is to "grow big dreams."  Matt says the proceeds will be used to pay for internships for high school students.

The Young Scholars Program has assisted over one thousand students in Utica since 2005.

The program has a 93% graduation rate for its students, with a 100% graduation rate for the class of 2016.  The valedictorian and five of the top ten graduates from Proctor High School's 2016 graduating class were Young Scholars.

Mayor Robert and Susan Palmieri said, “Once again the 2017 Gala was a huge success and we thank our generous sponsors and community partners for helping to make such a positive impact in lives of Utica’s youth.”

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