Sesame Workshop’s 22nd Annual Benefit Gala Celebrates the Power of Resilience
The event also featured host Christopher Jackson, special guests Sara Bareilles, John Oliver, and the Muppets of Sesame Street
(New York, NY – May 29, 2025) Last night, Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, hosted its 22nd annual benefit gala with the theme “Stronger Together: Building Resilient Hearts & Minds,” highlighting the Workshop’s efforts to equip children and their caregivers with the tools to foster resilience in the face of adversity.
Sesame Workshop honored Darren Walker, president of The Ford Foundation, with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award, which was presented by Gaby Sulzberger, Sesame Workshop Board Chair, Michael Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, and Big Bird. The New York Life Foundation was honored with the Civic Leadership Award, accepted by Craig DeSanto, New York Life’s Chair, President & CEO, and presented by Katie Couric. The event was hosted by Emmy and Grammy Award winner Christopher Jackson at Cipriani 42nd Street and featured special appearances by John Oliver and the Muppets of Sesame Street, as well as a musical performance by singer, songwriter, and actor Sara Bareilles.
“It is so special to come together and celebrate our shared commitment to help children cope with challenges big and small – and to honor some exceptional people who have done so much to help children look ahead to sunnier days,” said Sherrie Westin, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop. “After all, we know better than most the importance and power of resilience. So much of our work is designed to give children the skills they need to navigate cloudy days and to be there for children and families when they need us most.”
Darren Walker was presented with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award not only for his philanthropic work, but for personally exemplifying Joan’s vision – showcasing the incredible things children can grow up to achieve when given the opportunity to arrive at school ready to learn and succeed.
The New York Life Foundation received the Civic Leadership Award in recognition of its partnership with Sesame Workshop and its commitment to supporting families with young children – especially as it relates to coping with death, and the multi-faceted, ever-changing, enduring nature of grief.
“Understanding death and expressing how they feel can be difficult for young children,” said Hillary Strong, Chief Development Officer, Sesame Workshop. “We are grateful for New York Life Foundation’s partnership to create much-needed grief resources, and for their commitment to helping children and families nationwide.”
Last night’s benefit raised $3.3 million, which will help Sesame Workshop fuel its mission, in addition to a $1.5 million grant from New York Life Foundation to expand our work together to support children coping with bereavement and grief. 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 Visionary Partners, Joan Ganz Cooney, New York Life, Shou Chew and Vivian Kao, as well as its Neighborhood Heroes, Just Play Cares, Christy and John Mack, Ogden CAP Properties, and Pfizer Inc. for their exceptional generosity toward this celebration. Special thanks as well 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 than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.
Contact
Erin Elzo, Sesame Workshop
