United Way of New York City

The 33rd Annual Gridiron Gala brought together the @nyjets, @Giants and the United Way of New York City community to huddle up for our city. 🏈 Thanks to our supporters, we raised over $2.6 million to strengthen UWNYC community programs. These initiatives support New Yorkers who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet--the New Yorkers who are ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). We were proud to recognize our exceptional honorees: Harrison Phillips Defensive Lineman, New York Jets Brian Burns Outside Linebacker, New York Giants Christopher J. Perry President, Broadridge Kathryn Wylde Former President & CEO, Partnership for New York City Gridiron Gala Cohosts Chris Canty and Tina Cervasio brought their A-game and took us through this unforgettable evening. If you couldn’t join us, you can still get in the game. Donate here: unitedway.nyc/3PGbtHR Learn more about the Gridiron Gala and how you can get involved next year: unitedway.nyc/3PI92oa @horribleharry99 @Fire_Burns99 @Partnership4NYC @TinaCervasio @ChrisCanty99 @GiantsCRDept @NYJetsCR

We were thrilled to celebrate the 3rd Annual Rising Stars Celebration with CIBC. The evening brought together our 2026 Rising Stars and Alumni, honored each year at our Power of Women Luncheon. We were also happy to welcome members of UWNYC's Board and Women United Leadership Committee, UWNYC partners, and new friends to honor the impact of young professionals driving change across NYC. A sincere thank you to our partners at CIBC for launching this celebration to honor our community and create a space rooted in connection and mentorship. The Rising Stars community continues to grow, strengthening our shared commitment to creating opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive--especially at a time when too many are struggling with the rising cost of living. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and made the evening such a success.

The Gridiron Gala silent auction is now live, and it’s the most exciting lineup yet (no offense, boys). Bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences ranging from Super Bowl LXI tickets, dinner at New York City’s “Most Impossible Table,” Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a luxury escape at an iconic hotel on one of the best beaches in the world, and more. Some of our favorites include: 🏈 Two Tickets to Super Bowl LXI: See the most anticipated game of the year live in Los Angeles. Plus, get two passes to the Super Bowl LXI Experience, and 100,000 Hilton Honors points to cover your stay. (Psst: Rumor has it Taylor Swift is among those vying for the halftime show.) 🥘 Dinner for Four at Lincoln Center’s Tatiana: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience at Kwame Onwuachi's iconic Lincoln Center restaurant, otherwise known as NYC's most sought-after table. 🎥 Two Tickets to Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen: Join the 22-seat live studio audience for a kiki session with Andy and a housewife or two in the infamous Bravo Clubhouse, where tickets are limited and the shotskis are plenty. ☀️ Four Nights at the Iconic Hotel Del Coronado: Enjoy a four night luxury escape at the hotel frequented by royalty, celebrities, and presidents—set directly on Coronado Beach, San Diego, one of America’s top 10 beaches. Check out all the items, place your bids, and keep an eye out for more items to be added: unitedway.nyc/gridironauction

33 years. One city. Two teams. 🏈 United Way of New York City x the @nyjets x the @Giants—teaming up for the Gridiron Gala to power real change for NYC communities. We’re moving the ball forward. Join us! 🎤 Hear from hosts @TinaCervasio + @ChrisCanty99 ⭐ Featuring Hometown Heroes @Fire_Burns99 + @horribleharry99 💬 With President & CEO Grace Bonilla and Chief of Staff Fritz Bondoa P.S. Can’t make the big night? You can still get in on the action. Bid on exclusive Gridiron auction items from your couch. 👀 Auction reveal drops tomorrow… and these NYC-only experiences are not to be missed. Get in the game. Learn more, grab your tickets, and support the mission: unitedway.nyc/3Zy1PbK

Join our Junior Board's Annual Ballgame Benefit on Wednesday, June 3 as the New York Yankees take on the Cleveland Guardians! Tickets include terrace level seating, all-inclusive food N/A beverages, and good company - all in support of UWNYC. See more details and buy tickets here: unitedway.nyc/4cRD55N

Last week, United Way of New York City joined advocates from across the country at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington, DC, to elevate the realities facing New York City communities directly with policymakers. During a lobby day on Capitol Hill, we joined advocates in calling for: ❌ Strong opposition to any Farm Bill that fails to restore cuts to SNAP ⏳ Delaying SNAP cost shifts that would place additional strain on states, CBOs, and local systems 🍎 Protecting and strengthening SNAP, WIC, and other federal nutrition programs On Thursday, the House advanced a Farm Bill without restoring critical SNAP cuts. The bill now moves to the Senate—where there is still time to get this right. Join us in urging the Senate to advance a Farm Bill that restores SNAP cuts, protects families from deepening food insecurity, and strengthens the federal nutrition programs millions rely on every day. We can’t afford to go backward. Reach out to your Senators today to make your voice heard: unitedway.nyc/4d4QTZt

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are a vital part of what makes New York City strong. This AAPI Heritage Month, United Way of New York City is advocating for greater access to opportunity. In New York, 39% of AAPI households fall under ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and another 10% live below the federal poverty level. This means nearly half of the AAPI community of New York is working hard, but still unable to meet basic living needs. United Way of New York City (UWNYC) is dedicated to supporting these households through our core impact areas: 🏥 Health Equity 📚 Education 🍎 Food & Benefits Access ⚖️ Justice & Opportunity Help us move the needle for all New Yorkers, including members of the AAPI community. Learn more: unitedway.nyc/48zQ0qm

We were thrilled to host our second Bring Your Child to Work Day—full of creativity, connection, and impact. Kids played games, made crafts, and packed snack kits for NYC students. It was a joy to watch families bond and introduce young people to the power of philanthropy.💙

The Gridiron Gala is a powerful platform to celebrate leadership. The Draft Pick Recognition Ticket highlights emerging leaders making an impact in your organization and beyond. It includes VIP Reception access, event recognition, networking & more. Learn more: unitedway.nyc/4sVg8U2

At a time when too many New Yorkers are struggling under the weight of high energy bills, we are proud to work alongside the @nationalgrid Foundation, @BklynFoundation, and trusted community-based organizations to provide relief to our most vulnerable communities. At our press conference, we joined partners to announce recipients of the Powering Possibility in Queens Fund, which will deliver immediate financial assistance to 500 households across Queens and provide education and connection to relief programs for an additional 500 households. We are partnering directly with several organizations in Queens: @MetCouncil, Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, The Partnership To End Homelessness, Salvation Army of Greater New York, The Bridge Fund of New York Inc., and Divine Truth Ministry. Thanks to them, this relief will be going directly to the families across Queens who need it the most. We’re grateful to National Grid Foundation for enabling us to relieve energy cost burdens for Queens families—and celebrate our fellow grant recipients Brooklyn Org as they do the same for Brooklyn residents. It takes a community to support a community. Together, with the private sector and our community partners, we are working to build a more affordable New York City—one where families can live, and thrive, with dignity.

Recently our staff came together to pack emergency preparedness kits for New York City families during our Spread Love the United Way campaign. These kits contain items that help parents and their kids stay safe, fed, and occupied during natural disasters. Hear our young volunteers — Future Leaders — share what’s inside each kit. 💙

Last week at City Hall, advocates advanced a unified call for a $100 million baseline investment in the Community Food Connection (CFC) program. Amid a highly active day, we had productive conversations with multiple council members, reinforcing the urgency of addressing food insecurity, particularly as 1 in 4 children continue to face hunger. Youth advocates played a critical role in shaping the conversation, underscoring the real-time impact of policy decisions. We remain focused on ensuring food security is prioritized in the city’s budget and policy agenda.

Can’t attend the Gridiron Gala? Support NYC communities through a Community Impact Sponsorship — funding food, health & literacy programs. Become a Community Impact Sponsor: unitedway.nyc/4cC1HOB

Impact isn’t just measured in what you give — it’s how you show up for others when it matters most. 💙🏈 @horribleharry99 of the @nyjets brings that mindset beyond the game, focusing on connection, consistency, and creating spaces where communities can thrive. At the Gridiron Gala, alongside United Way of New York City and the New York Giants, that commitment turns into real, lasting change for families across New York. 🎟️ Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available. 👉 Register now: unitedway.nyc/3Zy1PbK

What happens when students see themselves in what they learn? Everything changes. We are proud to be part of a powerful conversation at the 2026 @SOMOSNEWYORK Conference celebrating 40 years of leadership and impact, where we’re pushing forward what equitable, identity-affirming education truly looks like. As New York City advances a Latinidad in Schools curriculum, this session will explore how we move beyond representation and into real belonging. This isn’t just about curriculum, it’s about creating school environments where every student feels seen, valued, and positioned to thrive. If you’re an educator, policymaker, or advocate committed to equity in education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Let’s move from intention to implementation, together. See you in Albany this Saturday.

During our Spread Love the United Way campaign, we packed 500 emergency kits for NYC families—containing essentials like a flashlight, poncho & whistle.💙 Thanks to @POTSBronx, Justice for Families & @kingmanormuseum, they’re now in the hands of New Yorkers across the city.

Real change starts with action — showing up, staying engaged, and investing in people. 💙🏈 @Fire_Burns99 of the @Giants continues to lead by example, turning intention into impact and using his platform to create opportunities for others to be seen and supported. Brian will be honored at this year's Gridiron Gala as a Hometown Hero, an award recognizing athletes making an impact both on the field and in their communities. Join Brian, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, and United Way of New York City at the 31st Gridiron Gala to help strengthen UWNYC initiatives empowering communities. 🎟️ Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available. 👉 Register now: unitedway.nyc/3Zy1PbK

@horribleharry99 of the @nyjets reminds us that real impact goes beyond writing a check, it’s about being present and using your platform to lift others. At the 2026 Gridiron Gala, his commitment reflects the power of teamwork, bringing together the United Way of New York City, the New York Jets, and the New York Giants to drive meaningful change across our communities. 🎟️ Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available. 👉 Register now: unitedway.nyc/4rBcv5F

Through our Emergency Assistance & Community Needs (EACN) Fund, more than $330,000 has been distributed to 33 community organizations across our city this year—supporting responses to SNAP disruptions, rising food pantry demand, and ongoing policy changes impacting vulnerable New Yorkers. At our recent EACN Convening, partners from across NYC came together to share insights and strengthen strategies to meet evolving community needs. “The [United Way of New York City] Emergency Assistance allocation of $10,000 created a critical cushion for UA3 and its pantry clients,” said Don Hong, President of UA3 Community First Food Pantry. “We served 1,150 more clients in February 2026 than the year prior, including a 23% increase among older adults.” By supporting frontline organizations, we put our mission into action—working together toward a city where every New Yorker has the resources they need to thrive.

Using your platform to uplift others—that’s real impact. 💙🏈 @Fire_Burns99 of the @Giants shares why giving back is personal because being heard means using your voice for those who aren’t. Through the power of connection and showing up in person, he’s helping drive meaningful change alongside United Way of New York City and the @nyjets at the Gridiron Gala, ensuring families across NYC have what they need to live with dignity. When New York wins, we all win. 🎟️ Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available. 👉 Register now: unitedway.nyc/4rBcv5F