On October 15, nearly 400 supporters gathered at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan for the 16th Annual Children’s Aid Benefit. The evening celebrated the remarkable achievements of Children’s Aid youth and alumni, the dedication of its staff, and the generosity of the supporters who make its mission possible.
The event raised more than $2.1 million to support the essential programs and services that 50,000 New York City children and families rely on each year.
“For nearly two centuries, Children’s Aid has helped families navigate a changing city. Through it all, children’s fundamental needs have remained the same: a good education, healthcare, enough to eat, a stable home, and people they can count on,” said President and CEO Phoebe C. Boyer. “Our responsibility is to make sure those fundamentals remain in place as the world around us changes.”
Throughout the evening, guests heard powerful stories of determination, opportunity, and the lasting impact of Children’s Aid. Alumni Naseem Haamid, Samantha Patron, and Olivia Smith-Finney shared reflections on how the organization supported their lives, careers, and communities, demonstrating the enduring influence of the relationships and experiences fostered through Children’s Aid programs.
Youth co-hosts Kimberly Raftrey and Kelechi Olumba brought warmth, energy, and authenticity to the evening, sharing their personal journeys and the pivotal roles Children’s Aid programs and mentors played in helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and pursue their goals.
“Children’s Aid couldn’t change the things that life had in store for me, but they offered me stability when my life was unstable,” Kimberly said. “They gave me support when I needed someone on my team. And they provided opportunities that allowed me to make my dreams a reality and take control of what comes next.”
Inspired by the theme Game Plan, this year’s Benefit highlighted Children’s Aid’s commitment to ensuring that young people have the tools, skills, and support systems they need to navigate life’s unexpected challenges and build their own paths to success. The Ziegfeld Ballroom was transformed into a vibrant, game-inspired experience, with playful design elements including chess tables, marble runs, playing cards, and décor reminiscent of classic board games, bringing the evening’s theme to life.
One of the event’s most moving moments came from keynote speaker and Children’s Aid alumna Alahna Ortiz, who shared her story of perseverance in the face of unexpected challenges. During her freshman year of college, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Alahna to return home and continue her education remotely, while caring for her mother during an illness, assuming responsibility for her nieces and nephews, and experiencing periods of housing instability. Navigating these competing responsibilities presented immense challenges, but with determination and support, Alahna continued pursuing her education and building a future for herself and her family.
“Every obstacle taught me something important: Sometimes strength looks like continuing when life keeps trying to throw you off course,” Alahna said. “Through all those years, I had Children’s Aid in my corner. They never treated me like a disappointment. They helped me believe my story could become a testimony.”
The stories shared throughout the evening underscored a powerful message: While no one can predict every challenge life may bring, having a community of people who believe in your potential makes all the difference.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the 2026 Children’s Aid Benefit Host Committee, whose leadership, dedication, and generosity were instrumental in making the evening such an extraordinary success.
Benefit Co-Chairs: Lauren Melkus; Jill and Brian Olson; Eren Rosenfeld and Jack Dunne; and Suzanne Waltman and Martin Friedman.
Host Committee Members: Iris Abrons; Patricio Barnuevo; Leslie and Ashish Bhutani; Phoebe Boyer and Todd Snyder; Lindsay Connors and Jeff Gunsel; Lisa and Mark Edmiston; Julie and Sebastian Guth; Nargis Hilal; Michelle James; Ellen Jewett and Richard Kauffman; Laura and Alan Katz; Beth and Ira Leventhal; Lauren Miller; Yasmeen Mock; Erica Jade Mullen; Sangeeta Prasad; Lauren and John Roth; Madeleine Schachter; Lisa Timmel and David Markus; Kelly Tullier and Hugh Johnston; Gaby Vogel; Jennifer and Peter Wallace; and Charlotte Woodhams.
We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for their commitment to Children’s Aid and the young people and families we serve.
Ambassador Sponsors: Leslie and Ashish Bhutani; Coleman Family Ventures; and Lauren Melkus.
Champion Sponsor: Lise Strickler and Mark Gallogly.
Hero Sponsors: Blackstone Charitable Foundation; Beth and Ira Leventhal; Jill and Brian Olson; Eren Rosenfeld and Jack Dunne; Lauren and John Roth; and Suzanne Waltman and Martin Friedman.
Photographs from the 2026 Children’s Aid Benefit are available here.
