Tony Award-winning actress & singer Ruthie Ann Miles performed in front of 500 attendees to benefit the YMCA’s community services and programming

Last night, more than 500 business, civic, sports, and entertainment leaders gathered at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the YMCA of Greater New York’s 50th annual Heroes of New York Gala.  The event raised more than $1.6 million to support the Y’s essential programs serving more than 420,000 New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

The milestone evening celebrated leaders who expand access to education, workforce development, and community resources citywide, honoring 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.

The gala featured a special performance by Tony Award-winning actress and singer Ruthie Ann Miles, with Emmy-winning writer, Emmy-nominated actress, and stand-up comedian Robby Hoffman serving as emcee. Guests closed out the evening at the YMCA’s third annual Heroes After Party with a set from DJ Sean Koons, son of renowned artist Jeff Koons.

“For 174 years, the YMCA of Greater New York’s outsized impact on the lives of New Yorkers has been powered by strong partnerships with leaders who share our commitment to advancing health and well-being for all,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “We are honored to recognize Linda Kirkpatrick and Brad Sims this year at our 50th Annual Heroes of New York Gala for their extraordinary work to create opportunity for New Yorkers of all ages, and for their ongoing commitment to the Y’s mission.”

Kirkpatrick leads Mastercard’s Americas business across the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Over nearly three decades at Mastercard, she has helped advance the company’s work to expand economic opportunity, support small businesses, strengthen communities and help more people participate in the digital economy.

“New York is a city built by people who believe in possibility — and the Y has spent generations helping turn that possibility into progress,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, president, Americas, Mastercard. “At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting organizations that expand opportunity, build confidence and help young people prepare for the future. The Y’s work is deeply personal, deeply local and essential to the strength of this city.”

New York City FC is bringing soccer into neighborhoods across the five boroughs through free programming, community fields, and youth-focused initiatives. Under Brad Sims’ leadership, the Club has reached more than 50,000 young people, helping them grow through teamwork, mentorship, and shared experience on and off the field.

“The YMCA and New York City FC share a deep belief that sports can create access, belonging, and opportunity for young people across our city,” said Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC. “Soccer is the world’s game, and we are proud to use our platform to help more kids experience the joy, connection, and life lessons that come from playing the sport. Through our work in communities across the five boroughs, we are helping young people build confidence, develop as leaders, and see what is possible when they have a safe place to play and people who believe in their potential.”

All proceeds from the Gala support the YMCA of Greater New York’s wide range of community programs serving New Yorkers across the five boroughs, including the Rowe Scholars college access and career development initiative, Teen Night Out, and the Y’s Afterschool program.

The Gala comes as the YMCA of Greater New York is in the midst of its 175th anniversary campaign, a bold initiative to raise $175 million by 2027 in support of the organization’s next era of impact and community investment.

As part of the milestone moment, the Y just launched its new brand awareness campaign, “It Starts Inside,” a love letter to New York City and the people who make it what it is. Rooted in the belief that every New Yorker already has the strength, potential, and purpose they need within themselves, the campaign highlights how the Y helps unlock that potential — creating spaces where people can build confidence, find community, and access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.