On June 14 we invite you to join us in celebrating the past year, looking ahead to the future, and recognizing the community that makes our work possible. Together, we can create a brighter future for children and adolescents through education and creativity.

Sunday, June 14, 2026
The Garrison
2015 US-9, Garrison, NY

HOST

Jennifer Turner, Interim Executive Director NECS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Penn Badgley, Actor / Director / Producer

SPEAKER

Marla Ratner, Board President NECS

ADULT HONOREES

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
New York Presbyterian–Hudson Valley Hospital
YOUTH ADVOCATE AWARD
Keith Merriweather
TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Johnna Hayward
VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
Ronise Stiefelmann, Christine Kelly-Edelman, Leslie Fields-Cruz

YOUTH HONOREES

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Ella Morel
EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Jade Mendez Rodriguez
RESILIENCE AWARD
David Hoilett

OUR SPONSORS

Dain's Lumber
Home Mason Supply Corporation
Lodi Wealth Advisors
M&T Bank
Orange Bank & Trust Company
New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital

See our work in action and learn more about our impact.

Creativity Ignited 2026

Celebration of the Transforming Power of the Arts