Icon Chaka Khan performed in front of 500 attendees to benefit the YMCA’s community services and programming
 

On June 13th, the YMCA of Greater New York hosted its 49th annual Heroes of New York Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, raising more than $1.8 million in funding for the YMCA’s community services and programming, which serve nearly 400,000 people annually across New York City. Chaka Khan performed at the Gala, former Saturday Night Live cast member Punkie Johnson returned as the Gala’s emcee, and hip-hop legend DJ Grandmaster Flash played during the second annual Heroes After Party following the gala.

This year’s Gala honored Delta Air Lines, Jed Walentas, CEO of Two Trees Management Corporation, and William Dodge Rueckert, President of Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, for their ongoing support of the YMCA’s efforts to open doors to education and career development resources for New Yorkers of all ages.

“The YMCA of Greater New York’s high-impact community programming would not be possible without the steadfast support of our partners,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “This year, we were proud to celebrate Delta Air Lines, Jed Walentas and William Dodge Rueckert, whose ongoing collaboration with the Y has been invaluable in our shared mission of supporting communities and creating opportunities for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers citywide.”

Delta Air Lines is strongly immersed and aligned with the Y’s efforts to provide New Yorkers with the support and vital resources necessary to thrive. Delta has been committed to funding the Rowe Scholars program annually and is the first lead donor to the new Flushing Commons Y project set to break ground in 2026.

“At Delta, service is not just part of our business—it’s part of our DNA. For the last 100 years, taking care of the communities where we live, work, and serve has been a core value,” said Patricia Ornst, Managing Director of Government Affairs at Delta Air Lines. “Through our partnership with the YMCA, we have supported students through educational initiatives, like the Rowe Scholars program, and partnering in the creation of a brand new YMCA branch in Flushing, Queens. To be recognized by the YMCA, a pillar of strength and progress in this city and beyond, is a true privilege and we’re grateful for this partnership.”

CEO of Two Trees Management Corporation Jed Walentas is overseeing the River Ring Waterfront Master Plan, a Williamsburg Waterfront development that will serve as a community hub for all Brooklynites. Along with a park overlooking the urban beachfront, the new 50,000-square-foot state of the art Elaine and Norm Brodsky YMCA will be included in the property’s housing complex. The facility will be the premiere health and well-being center serving Williamsburg, Greenpoint and surrounding communities, offering health, youth and community programs that will serve nearly 20,000 members.

“Two Trees is proud to partner with the YMCA to bring an enriching, community asset to Williamsburg,” said Jed Walentas, CEO of Two Trees Management Corporation. “Since its conception, we have envisioned the River Ring Waterfront as a space that can be utilized by all. We look forward to working closely with the Y to make this vital community project a reality and provide Brooklyn residents with direct access to essential recreation and services.”

William Dodge Rueckert, President of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, was presented with the Order of the Red Triangle — given to those who have demonstrated service of singular distinction to the Y. For more than two decades, Bill has continued his family’s 175-year tradition of commitment to the Y through philanthropy and civic leadership. As the head of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Rueckert has invested in the development of youth-focused programming and the creation of the Dodge, Northeast Bronx, and La Central branches, all located in neighborhoods that once lacked access to crucial services for community members. Rueckert also spearheads the Y Retirement Fund, granting over 110,000 Y staff with support post-retirement.

“I am proud to follow in my family’s footsteps of supporting the YMCA across several of their immersive projects and programming,” said William D. Rueckert, President of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation. “It is an honor to receive this recognition and I view it as a celebration of the Foundation's dedication to supporting an organization that serves the greater good. Together, we’re able to make a difference and continue building a brighter and better future for all New Yorkers.”

“Music has transformed my life — it’s given me purpose and been a source of inspiration and strength,” said Chaka Khan. “Passion, dedication and help from others breeds success. I’m grateful to celebrate the YMCA of Greater New York and their dedication to empowering our youth, teens, and college-bound young people to discover their dreams and reach their fullest potential. When we come together with heart and hope, we can create the impossible.”

All proceeds from the Gala will support the YMCA’s broad offering of community services and programming, including the Rowe Scholars program, an initiative for college access and career development for NYC high school students; Teen Night Out, a comprehensive youth development program offering free, fun, high-quality and youth-informed workshops, activities, and class options for teens on Saturday nights; and the Y Afterschool program, among others.

This year’s Gala also marks the launch of the YMCA of Greater New York’s 175th anniversary campaign, which aims to raise $175 million through 2027, when the organization will officially celebrate this milestone.