Ellis Early Learning raised $676,000 to support the nonprofit's mission during its annual benefit event held on Nov. 7 in Boston's South End. The theme of this year's event was "Celebrating Ellis and the Magic of Childhood" and the organization honored Natixis Investment Managers as a "Champion of Early Childhood Education."

Over 300 supporters, parents and teachers convened at the Boston Center for the Arts' Cyclorama for the event, co-chaired by Ellis board member Sean Curran, the principal of Waterville Consulting, and Jerome Smith, regional head of community affairs for Amazon. Special guests included state Sen. Lydia Edwards, state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and state Rep. Samantha Montaño.

"We are grateful for the tremendous support we receive year after year that allows us to deliver high-quality early childhood education," said Lauren Cook, CEO of Ellis Early Learning. "The support of our community is critical to our mission, and we know that the impact of these funds will be felt deeply by the children and families served by Ellis."

Natixis has been a steadfast and generous partner to Ellis for 16 years, providing volunteer leadership through Ellis's Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. The company, which once again sponsored this year's event, has also provided countless volunteer hours with Ellis children and staff. Natixis is a champion of global social impact through its dedicated involvement with philanthropic initiatives that address community-based goals, including education programs that support vulnerable populations in the region.

"We are proud to partner with Ellis, an extraordinary organization making early childhood education inclusive and accessible for members of our community," said David Giunta, Chief Executive Officer of Natixis Investment Managers in the US. "Our longstanding, collaborative partnership has been impactful for the Ellis family and fulfilling to the Natixis employees who have contributed to Ellis's mission."

Ellis is grateful for the generous support from its many event sponsors, including Amazon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Eastern Bank, National Grid, Olivia's Organics, New England Patriots Foundation, Pure Insurance and The TJX Companies.

Ellis has strengthened Boston's diverse working families by providing high-quality education and care for children since 1885. The organization is committed to helping all children develop the social, emotional and academic skills they need to be successful in school and in life.

Ellis stands out for being among the most socio-economically, racially and culturally diverse organizations serving the children of Boston. Ellis engages over 300 children per year in full-time early education programming, with an emphasis on program excellence and diverse enrollment. Of its participants, 80% are people of color. The nonprofit is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.