United Way of New York City Teams Up with the New York Jets and New York Giants to Raise $2.6M at 33rd Annual Gridiron Gala

United Way of New York City Teams Up with the New York Jets and New York Giants to Raise $2.6M at 33rd Annual Gridiron Gala

May 13, 2026 | Advocacy, Blog, Blog Featured Articles, Impact, News, News Featured Articles, Women United

All-star honorees include New York Giants Outside Linebacker Brian Burns, New York Jets Defensive Lineman Harrison Phillips, Partnership for New York City Former President and CEO Kathryn Wylde, and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. President Chris Perry

NEW YORK (May 12, 2026) - With an assist from the New York Giants and New York Jets, United Way of New York City raised $2.6M yesterday at its 33rd Annual Gridiron Gala to fund its critical work - strengthening systems, partnerships, and community-based solutions across the five boroughs - so that every New Yorker has a fair opportunity to thrive. The event honored four exceptional community leaders, New York Giants Outside Linebacker Brian Burns, New York Jets Defensive Lineman Harrison Phillips, Partnership for New York City Former President and CEO Kathryn Wylde, and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. President Chris Perry, all of whom have dedicated their time to advancing access and opportunities for under-resourced New Yorkers

This year's gala shone a light on the city's affordability crisis, highlighting real stories of New Yorkers and the growing gap between what families earn and what it takes to live in New York City. Today, more than half of all New York City households - 56%, representing approximately 4.7 million people - struggle to afford basic needs such as housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and food.

The evening was also a powerful reminder that progress happens when partners across every sector - nonprofits, business, philanthropy, government, and community leaders - work together, each doing their part to advance the drive toward a stronger, more equitable New York City. Together, we can move the needle and create lasting change for New Yorkers for generations to come.

The event was hosted by United Way of New York City Board Member, ESPN Radio Host & New York Giants Alumni Chris Canty, and Tina Cervasio, seven-time New York Emmy Award winning sports reporter, with a performance by Broadway singer and actor Norm Lewis.

"No one organization can tackle New York City's affordability crisis alone - it takes an entire team," said United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla. "We are deeply grateful to the New York Giants, the New York Jets, our honorees, and all of our partners who continue to step up for New Yorkers. Today, 56% of New Yorkers - including many hardworking families we call ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - cannot meet their basic needs. Just like in football, creating real progress takes coordination, partnership, and everyone moving the ball forward together. The funds raised through this year's gala will help deliver critical services and long-term opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives across our city."

The gala recognized New York Giants Outside Linebacker Brian Burns and New York Jets Defensive Lineman Harrison Phillips as this year's Hometown Heroes Award winners for their commitment to uplifting communities, especially youth. Burns founded Brian Burns Family Charities, a philanthropic organization focused on addressing critical needs through youth mentorship, autism awareness, and animal rescue. Phillips created and heads the youth-based nonprofit Harrison's Playmakers, offering an active support system and empowering children facing hardship through school visits, camps, and mentorship efforts.

"I am truly honored to be recognized alongside other inspiring community leaders," said Brian Burns, New York Giants Outside Linebacker. "United Way of New York City shares our charities' vision for a New York City that empowers at-risk youth and supports families. This recognition is for everyone who has supported this work."

"I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition from United Way of New York City," said Harrison Phillips, New York Jets Defensive Lineman. "We all believe in showing up for kids who are facing challenges, and making sure they know they're not alone. I'm proud to stand alongside such influential people committed to doing what we can for our city."

Former President and CEO of Partnership for New York City Kathryn Wylde was honored with this year's Community Quarterback Award. For decades, Wylde was a central architect of partnerships between New York City's community, civic and corporate communities. She has helped guide major efforts, from Lower Manhattan's post-9/11 recovery to public-private coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while advancing partnerships to drive long-term economic growth across the five boroughs.

"New York City's strength has always come from collaboration," said Kathryn Wylde, former CEO and President of Partnerships for New York City. "Like United Way of New York City, I've always believed in harnessing the combined power of government, the private sector, and public partners to make New York City stronger. To be recognized with the Community Quarterback Award is an honor I share with extraordinary corporate, civic, and nonprofits partners over the years."

President of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Chris Perry, was recognized with the George Irish MVP Award. In addition to his leadership in the financial services sector, Perry has made deep contributions to community health as a United Way of New York City board member.

"United Way of New York City serves New Yorkers with compassion and respect giving those in need hope for the future. UWNYC's priorities, like expanding access to healthy food and creating pathways to economic opportunity, are critical to building stronger communities," said Chris Perry, President of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. "I am proud to support this work and receive this incredible honor."

This year's Gridiron Gala is supported by BMO, CBRE, Sidley Austin LLP, American Express, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Deloitte, IBM, Alliant Insurance Services, LLC, EY, Hearst, NFL, Oxford & Simpson, STO Building, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., Mayer Brown LLP, National Grid, AON, Chris Canty Foundation, BraunHagey & Borden LLP, Brookfield, CommonWealth Partners , Driscoll Foods, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Gardiner & Theobald, Gibson Dunn, JPMorganChase, Jones Lang LaSalle, KPMG LLP, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, PwC, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C., Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Skanska USA Building, Inc., The Baldwin Group, Turner Construction, WTW, among others.

To learn more about the Gridiron Gala or to support, please visit: unitedwaynyc.org/gridirongala.

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About United Way of New York City:

United Way of New York City works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility, working at the intersection of government, private, and public partners to make a positive impact in our communities. We meet today's most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow by coordinating and aligning service providers, companies, local government, and New Yorkers to help families eliminate barriers and gain the agency to improve their lives for the better. Our core program areas are health, education, food access, and justice and opportunity, but at the end of the day our focus is to empower all New Yorkers to thrive with dignity. To learn more, visit unitedwaynyc.org.