Photos: Inside YMCA's Annual Heroes of New York Gala with Ruthie Ann Miles

On Wednesday, June 5, 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 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. Take a look at photos below.

The 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. More than $1.6 million was raised in support of the Y’s essential programs serving more than 420,000 New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

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 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.

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, an initiative to raise $175 million by 2027 in support of the organization’s next era of impact and community investment. It has also 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. More information is available here.