About the Event
Since 1858, YWCA NYC has worked to eliminate racism and advance opportunity for women, girls, and families across New York City. Salute is our signature annual celebration and fundraiser, bringing together hundreds of leaders from business, philanthropy, government, and community to honor those building pathways for New York's next generation.
Guests will gather at City Winery for a cocktail reception, seated dinner, awards program, and live paddle raise, with opportunities to meet the students, staff, and volunteers who shape our work.
YWCA NYC by the Numbers
What Salute Funds
Salute funds year-round programming that reaches students from kindergarten through early career across all five boroughs.
Beyond the school day
Our After School program gives K–8 students academic support, hands-on enrichment in arts, music, cooking, and STEAM, trusted relationships with caring adults, and a stable place to land beyond the school day.
At PS 329 Surfside School, Alexis Alleyne is finding her stride in the classroom and on stage. The fifth grader earned YWCA NYC's "G.O.A.T." medal for academic excellence, dedication to service, and leadership among her peers. She placed in the top 20 out of 150 students in the Surfside Spelling Bee, performed with the Black Heart Dynasty Steppers, and grew her storytelling skills in the Media Club.
Her mother, Jayanne James, has seen the change firsthand.
"She's more confident about what she can do. She used to be nervous about trying new things, especially stepping. But now, she loves it."Jayanne James · Alexis's mother
Alexis comes home each day eager to share what she learned. "Instead of being on an iPad, she gets to stay active and have fun," her mother shared. "She really had fun during the summer camp, too. The program gives her the chance to interact with kids her age and try new things."
Beyond grades and activities, Alexis points to a lesson that matters more. The most important thing she's learned, she says, is "how to be more kind to others."
Alexis is one of the young people YWCA NYC serves across eight public schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan. For many families, this is the safe, enriching place their children go when the school day ends. As one parent put it, "This program is the best my son attends, and the team is very amazing."
This is what your support builds: a place where kids stay curious, build confidence, and discover what they're capable of. We can't wait to see what's next for Alexis.
Leading the next generation
Our Girls Initiatives program prepares young women and gender expansive youth to lead through advocacy, STEM, college and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Each year, YWCA NYC also convenes the Girls Symposium, a citywide day that brings hundreds of girls together for leadership, wellness, and youth-led advocacy.
Annmarie and Danielle came to Girls Initiatives as students at St. Saviour High School. Hannah joined from Medgar Evers Prep. They came for different reasons, and each found the same thing: a place to grow, connect, and be themselves.
"At Girls Initiatives, I can be myself and talk about real things with other like-minded girls."Hannah · Medgar Evers Prep
For Danielle, it started with a class and turned into something bigger. "I took the College Knowledge course at first and met a lot of new friends," she shared. She left with real tools and real friendships.
Ask the girls about the community and the warmth comes through. "It's warm. Everyone is very kind," Danielle said. "Very diverse, with people from all around New York," Hannah added. Annmarie pointed to connections she would not have made anywhere else: "Everyone goes to different schools. It's cool to meet people I wouldn't have met otherwise."
The opportunities matter just as much. "There are courses for everyone," Annmarie said. "You'll build real skills." Hannah put it simply: "YW encourages you to share your opinion."
Three words to sum it up? "Powerful." "Girl Power." "Fun."
Annmarie, Danielle, and Hannah are three of the girls Girls Initiatives serves. For many, Girls Initiatives is the one place outside of school where they find mentorship, college guidance, and hands-on STEM learning.
This is what your support builds: a space where girls find their voice, their people, and their confidence. We can't wait to see what's next for Annmarie, Danielle, and Hannah.
Watch
A look at the young people, families, and programs your support makes possible.
2026 Honorees
Salute honors leaders whose work advances opportunity for women, girls, and communities across the city.
Honoree announcements coming soon. Sign up for updates.
Be Part of Salute 2026
Sponsorship is the most direct way to stand with YWCA NYC and connect with civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders across the city.
← Swipe to compare →
| Changemaker$50,000 | SHE-ro$25,000 | Visionary$15,000 | Catalyst$10,000 | Advocate$5,000 | Leader$3,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 3 premium tables 30 seats |
2 premium tables 20 seats |
1 prestige table 10 seats |
1 table 10 seats |
5 tickets | 3 tickets |
| Program Ad | 2-page spread | Full page | Half page | Quarter page | Listing | Listing |
| Social Media | Pre & post feature | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Webpage, Signage & Email | Premier / Lead Billing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FY26 Annual Report mention | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Girls Symposium Recognition | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Custom Engagement Opportunity | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Sponsor commitments received by August 14, 2026 will be included in the printed invitation.
Individual Tickets50+ Years of Salute
For over five decades, Salute has brought together New York's civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders behind YWCA NYC, honoring those building real pathways for the next generation and raising the resources to keep that work going.
Event Committee
Board of Directors
Young Professionals Leadership Council
Salute 2026
Be the first to hear when honorees, sponsors, and ticket details are announced.
