MAY-JUNE 2026 Teens Serve Global-Inspired Menu for Northeast Bronx (NEBX) Y CommunityThe New York Life Foundation is a partner that has stood the test of time. What has shaped this over 30-year partnership are the people at New York Life. We are grateful for their time, commitment, and contributions—past and present—that continue to advance our shared mission to empower youth.From October to May, 72 students from our Northeast Bronx Y Teaching Kitchen participated in “Cooking with Shirley’s Son”, a youth cooking program led by Chef Quie, Harlem-based chef, restaurateur, and COO of the acclaimed Charles Pan-Fried Chicken.To celebrate the program’s conclusion for the school year, the graduating cohort of 24 students prepared, cooked, and served a 9-course global-inspired menu, with dishes like zesty watermelon salad, golden chickpea curry, ribeye with chimichurri, and peach cobbler. The adorable students in the red aprons? They were our Y teens’ younger siblings—and eager sous chefs.“Thanks to the New York State Land Title Association’s fundraising efforts, these teens have the opportunity to build real world skills through hands-on experiences. Watching them prepare, proudly serve the dishes they created and working together with so much confidence was inspiring,” Monica Malagon said.We couldn’t agree more, Monica!Special thanks to the New York State Land Title Association (NYSLTA), whose Charitable Works Committee helped cover nearly $30,000 in program costs through its fundraising efforts, and to committee co-chairs Kathy Roper and Monica Malagon for their leadership and support.Watch the program in action.The Teaching Kitchen provides teens with hands-on culinary training while building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and healthy cooking habits. Through weekly sessions, participants learn food preparation and kitchen safety, explore global cuisines, and develop practical life skills that extend far beyond the kitchen.To learn more and support the program, contact Julianna Benfica, Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts (jbenfica@ymcanyc.org). Here’s to you, our Y ChampionsFrom Y Day of Giving to our annual Y Champions Celebration, May was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.Y Day of Giving brought supporters across New York City together, bringing in over 1,600 gifts to invest in programs that help people of all ages thrive. The following evening, we gathered at our Y Champions Celebration to recognize the donors, volunteers, and advocates who make this work possible.From magic tricks to friendly borough rivalry, the night was as fun as it was meaningful. More than a party, this was a celebration of community in action. We were especially inspired by Sakhawat Hossain from the West Side Y, who shared how the Y's leadership and college readiness programs prepared him for Hunter College, where he's studying to become a pediatrician on a full scholarship. His story is just one of many that your service and support creates every day.View the full gallery here. Y Teens Take the Stand at City HallYoung New Yorkers have a unique perspective through early exposure to different experiences, ideas, and people from all walks of life. It transforms the way they see the world and their ability to change it.At the Y, teens are taking their ideas on how to effect change in their communities straight to City Hall. Last month, Teens Take the City celebrated its 20th Anniversary of their culminating event at City Hall, bringing together hundreds of students from across all five boroughs. After months of research, discussion, and preparation, teens presented policy proposals and voted to pass a bill—discussing topics like reducing youth violence, expanding yellow bus transportation, and improving the subway system. We are grateful to our sponsors, New York City Council Speaker, Julie Menin and Council Member, Gale A. Brewer for helping make this milestone event possible. A special thanks to The Keith Haring Foundation and Con Edison for their support of Teens Take the City.Hear from our Teens Take the City Brooklyn Borough President why civic engagement is important.Learn more about our civic engagement program here. A Look Inside the Y’s Own “Met Gala”More than 500 business, civic, sports, and entertainment leaders gathered at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for our 50th Annual Heroes of New York Gala. Together, we raised more than $1.6 million to support the over 420,000 New Yorkers who depend on the Y’s community programs, from early childhood development and college and career readiness to civic leadership and beyond.The milestone evening celebrated leaders who expand access to education, workforce development, and community resources citywide. We were proud to honor Linda Kirkpatrick, President, Americas, Mastercard, and Brad Sims, CEO, New York City FC, for their longstanding commitment to creating opportunity for New Yorkers of all ages.Thank you to our sponsors and donors for an unforgettable evening!See the full gallery here.Gala FOMO? Join us on July 27 for our Golf & Gala at the Westchester Country Club. Limited tickets left for the golf clinic, pickle ball, and tennis tournaments. Hydro-Québec and Jamaica Y Empower Local TeensFor nearly 100 young people at the Jamaica Y, basketball became more than a sport this year.Through Future Prospects, a youth development and workforce exposure program, participants combined structured basketball play with career exploration, leadership development, and hands-on learning. Along the way, they discovered that the skills they build on the court—teamwork, discipline, communication, and confidence—can open doors far beyond sports.Our young teens met professionals from across the sports industry, including NBA referee Zack Zorba, FIFA and MSG broadcaster Steve Cangialosi, and longtime Yankees and Mets scorer Howie Karpin. They also gained heads-up experience in roles such as coaching, officiating, play-by-play announcing, photography, video production, scoring, timekeeping, and tournament operations. For many participants, the program expanded their view of what was possible. A passion for basketball became a pathway to exploring careers in media, business, technology, coaching, community leadership, and more.This opportunity was made possible through the support of Hydro-Québec and the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), a major clean energy project investing in New York's future through both renewable energy infrastructure and community partnerships like this one.We are especially grateful to Peter Rose, Senior Director of Stakeholder Relations for Hydro-Québec Energy Services U.S. and a Jamaica YMCA Board Member, whose leadership and dedication have helped connect young people to new opportunities, experiences, and pathways for success. How To Fall in Love with NYC, Again You show up for your community in so many ways. On May 3, 13 people showed up on their bikes, at 6:00am, to ride 40 miles, car-free. It’s not glamorous, but it could be the beginning of a NYC love story. If the smiles on our riders’ faces don’t say enough , many of them shared the same sentiment at the finish line: it made them fall in love with NYC all over again. View photos from race day.Experiencing all five boroughs, no cars, it doesn’t really get much better than the vantage point of a bike. Don’t just take our word for it. Over 32,000 people joined Team Y Champions at the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, the country’s largest charitable bike race.And thanks to donors like you, Team Y Champions raised over $19,000, ensuring over 420,000 New Yorkers have access to essential programs like afterschool care, swim lessons and lifeguard training, college and career readiness, and so much more.Interested in Team Y Champions? Learn more here. UPCOMING EVENTS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Monday, July 27Golf & Gala | Westchester Country ClubJoin us at the Westchester Country Club for a day of sport, networking, and purpose in support of the Y.RSVP ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank You For Being Here! The YMCA of Greater New York is New York City's leading nonprofit individual and community health and well-being organization. We're here for all New Yorkers - to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community.