Marie Freitas

The 2026 Find Your Light gala concert for arts education is in the books and it was our most successful night yet!! Every stirring performance, every heartfelt and galvanizing speech, every gesture of generosity…it made this night one we will never forget. We raised a record 1.6 million (and counting!) for arts education programs. That means we can say YES to grant requests at a time when those requests are coming in by the hundreds from programs in all 50 states. An enormous thank you @StephenAtHome, @wyntonmarsalis, @realLouisCato, B. Wolfe, @llornacourtney, @realjoeyfatone, Oni Marsalis and our inspiring student performers from MOVE NYC, SAY, UpBeat NYC, @HSAnyc. Your lights shone brighter than any in Manhattan that night and the room was aglow with your brilliance. Honoring @OliverSacks and @wyntonmarsalis in the house he built was a privilege and the speeches by Dr Concetta Tomaino and Wynton reminded us why we must protect what the arts does for our minds and souls, and the humanity of our country and world. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to our fearless leaders, executive and deputy directors Jessica Dollinger & Jake Goldbas who directed and curated the evening and Tariq Hakoni @michaelolatuja @danaegreenfield Mike Bono @1Kaz2 @everettbnyc @vuyosotashe Melissa McMillan for holding down the musical stage so incredibly. We are a mighty team and I can’t wait to go where we go next together. Can’t wait for next year’s gala already. ❤️🎺🎸🥁🎤