Patty Schumann and Dave Steck
When Patty Schumann 
and Dave Steck, owners of the Numeric Pictures production company, learned about Yonkers Partners in Education, they felt it was “exactly the right thing at the right time.” Having lived in Yonkers for almost 10 years, their four year-old twins were enrolled at the Pearls school and they felt that the entire community should help support the public school system. They loved Yonkers’ cultural diversity and quickly learned how much YPIE had to offer to all school-aged children.
Patty and Dave see Yonkers going through a real renaissance, with new waves of people bringing different energy and commitment. With so many different neighborhoods and schools throughout the city, it is hard to build community. “YPIE can be the thread to tie families together, across the schools,” said Patty. “Kids are so hungry for a better education, a chance to go to college, better career opportunities.” YPIE just needed to build awareness of how it partners with the Yonkers Public School District and the community to make a difference in these children’s lives—and Numeric Pictures was in exactly this type of business.
So, in early 2009, Patty and Dave produced YPIE’s promotional video “I’m a Good Investment.” The video features students and parents speaking in their own words about how they’ve benefited from YPIE-sponsored programs, and encourages corporate and private investment in the children through the organization. “People need to know what they can do and how they can help,” noted Dave. “This video puts a face on the organization. The best way to get community members to connect to children is to show them what can be done.”
Now, Patty and Dave are focusing on literacy, one of their personal interests. They saw that the YonkersReads! program, providing books to all K-3 classrooms in Yonkers elementary schools, has the potential to impact thousands of children. In 2009, they offered their expertise to produce a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to help build awareness for YonkersReads! Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone and Superintendent Bernard Pierazio, celebrity chef and restaurateur Peter Kelly, WABC news anchor Sade Baderinwa, and New Jersey Nets forward Ryan Anderson all volunteered to participate in the PSAs.
Patty and Dave continue to be strong supporters and committed volunteers for YPIE’s programs. Their talent has brought tremendous visibility to YPIE in the community. Patty doesn’t hesitate to encourage others to get on board. “Your neighbors are taking part in this and so can you!”
“YPIE is blessed to have such talented people like Patty and Dave volunteering their time and expertise,” said YPIE Executive Director Wendy Nadel. “They have donated tens of thousands of dollars of in-kind services and have done this with such generosity and enthusiasm. We could never have afforded to produce these videos and PSAs without them.”
