On June 2, more than 850 leaders and changemakers gathered to affirm what we’ve known for 118 years: when children are emotionally supported, they thrive.
We are deeply grateful for your support.
Missed the celebration? It’s not too late to donate and invest in the futures of New York City children.
You can also bid on an original piece of art from renowned artist Jeremyville, or purchase one of three unique, signed art prints.
The evening was just the beginning. Scroll down to revisit the night — our gala program, host, honorees, sponsors, and highlights from the floor. More photos are on their way, and if the evening moved you to give, there’s still time.
THE 2026 INSPIRATION GALA PROGRAM
2026 HONOREES
2026 Inspiration Gala Honorees
In recognition of their outstanding personal and professional accomplishments, we are thrilled to be honoring these outstanding partners who serve as inspirational champions for our young people.
Co-Chair
Margaret Flynn-Martin
Head of Relationship Management Group
Morgan Stanley
Co-Chair
Alison Nest
Head of Investment Solutions Products
Morgan Stanley
Co-Chair
Dominick Pace
President, Media
WPP Unite
PHOTO GALLERY
Whether you were in the room or cheering from afar, this is what joy looks like when a community shows up.
The preview is below – relive the entire night in the full gallery!
ABOUT PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN
About PWC
Since 1908, Partnership with Children (PWC) has strengthened the emotional, social, and cognitive skills of children in New York City to succeed in school, society, and life. For 118 years, we have provided a safety net to generations of New Yorkers and responded to some of our city’s greatest challenges. Today, our work focuses on the mental health needs of our young people. We place licensed clinical social workers, youth development specialists, and teaching artists in schools to provide young people, grades K-12, growing up in poverty with trauma-informed mental health counseling, community-based programming, and healing-based arts education. Through this approach, our students build the skills necessary to break cycles of poverty and become advocates for their communities. Last year, PWC’s work impacted over 22,000 children and families across 47 NYC public schools. To learn more about our history and the scope of our work click here.
To download our Gala Sponsorship Form, please click here.
THE PWC STORY
Joy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s built, brick by brick, by everyone who shows up. Through Zaire, Paris, and a call to action that belongs to all of us, these three films show you exactly what that looks like and how PWC transforms communities that already contain joy in multitudes. Watch, feel it, and join us.
PWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PWC Board of Directors
• Helena Willner, Board President
• Jed Finn, Executive Vice President
• David Cohen, Vice President
• Alexandra Murray, Vice President
• Ramneek Rikhy, Vice President
• André Branch, Treasurer
• Andy Bettwy, Secretary
• Nelly Akoth
• Dan Benardette
• Tom Booker
• Jill Braufman
• Jonathan Fassberg
• Omino Gardezi
• Patrick Grandinetti
• Nancy Hall
• Pinar Kip
• Helen Lin
• Freddy Rolón
• John Walsh
• Anu Willoughby
THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD SPONSORS
Hero Sponsor
Jed and Heather Finn
VISIONARY SPONSOR
