Sesame Workshop’s 23rd Annual Benefit Celebrates the People in Our Neighborhood and the Power of Kindness, Honoring Hoda Kotb and MetLife

The event also featured host Craig Melvin, special guests will.i.am, John Oliver, Ina Garten, and the Muppets of Sesame Street.

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  • Sesame Workshop’s 23rd Annual Benefit Celebrates the People in Our Neighborhood and the Power of Kindness, Honoring Hoda Kotb and MetLife

(New York, NY – May 28, 2026) Last night, Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, hosted its 23rd annual benefit gala with the theme “People in Our Neighborhood,” celebrating the neighbors who make a difference every day and highlighting the charitable organization’s mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. 

Sesame Workshop honored Hoda Kotb, celebrated journalist, bestselling author, and founder and CEO of Joy 101, with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award, which was presented by Ina Garten. MetLife was honored with the Civic Leadership Award, accepted by Michel Khalaf, MetLife’s President & CEO. The event was hosted by “TODAY” co-anchor Craig Melvin at Cipriani 42nd Street and featured special appearances by John Oliver and the Muppets of Sesame Street, as well as a musical performance by musician, tech founder, and philanthropist will.i.am. 

“Sesame Street was intentionally created as a neighborhood where everyone belongs — humans, furry monsters, an eight-foot-tall yellow bird — a decision that remains as timely, relevant, and necessary today,” said Sherrie Westin, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop. “In many ways, Sesame Street is the ultimate neighborhood, one built on kindness and caring for one another. It was such a privilege to come together to honor some exceptional people in our neighborhood who have done so much to support children and bring our mission to life.”

Hoda Kotb was presented with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award for her inspirational commitment to kindness, community, and families everywhere. Best known as the Emmy-winning former co-anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY” and co-host of “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna,” Kotb is recognized globally as one of America’s foremost journalists, authors, and entrepreneurs.

MetLife received the Civic Leadership Award in recognition of its 15+ year partnership building stronger, more resilient communities. Earlier this month, Sesame Workshop and MetLife Foundation released new resources created to empower children and their caregivers with practical knowledge and strategies to strengthen social connections and nurture relationships, focusing on core messages such as the value of taking others’ perspectives, doing kind things, and cooperating.

“MetLife is honored to be recognized by Sesame Workshop with the Civic Leadership Award. This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of kindness, community, and investing in people to build more confident futures. We’re proud to stand alongside Sesame Workshop in advancing this important mission,” said MetLife President and Chief Executive Officer Michel Khalaf.

Last night’s benefit raised $3.3 million, which will help Sesame Workshop fuel its mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Sesame Workshop’s work is made possible by proceeds from the annual benefit gala along with the generous support of like-minded partners including foundations, corporations, government, and individuals. 

Sesame Workshop extends a special thank you to its Presenting Partner: Joan Ganz Cooney; Visionary Partner: MetLife; and our Neighborhood Heroes: Shou Chew & Vivian Kao, iHeartRadio, Just Play Cares, Netflix, Christy & John Mack, and Ogden CAP Properties. Special thanks to Cipriani 42nd Street, Star Group Productions, Preston Bailey Entertainment and Set Design, and The Jim Henson Company for their support of last night’s benefit. 

About Sesame Workshop      
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than190 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.  

Contact:  
Nikki Liberatore  
DKC on behalf of Sesame Workshop  
Nikki_Liberatore@dkcnews.com