This past Monday, SEO, whose mission is to create a more equitable society by closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for motivated young people in underserved and underrepresented communities, welcomed more than 1,200 guests at its 16th Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown. Even more impressive? The evening raised over $7 million for SEO’s educational and career programs!

The event kicked off with words from Henry R. Kravis, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO KKR and SEO Board Chairman, followed by Steve Harvey, national television host, author and radio personality who led the text-to-pledge fundraiser. Kammy Moalemzadeh, Founder and Managing Partner, Arcadia Investment Partners, LLC, and Seth Bernstein, Chairman and CEO of Bernstein Equity Partners served as the Dinner Chairs.

An inspiring night, SEO honored The Trustees of the Edwin Gould Foundation, who received the Philanthropy and Leaderships award; Verdun S. Perry, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone, and an SEO alumnus, who received the Leadership and Alumni Award; and Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO, Citadel, and Founder, Citadel Securities, who received the SEO Founder's Award.

Click through for a look at the glamorous event!

[Photos by Stephen Smith]