Bronx Children’s Museum Sneaker Ball: A Resounding Success Celebrating Youth Development and Community Commitment
Fundraiser honors The Players Alliance, New York Yankees and artist André Trenier
(From left to right) Artist André Trenier, The Players Alliance board members Edwin Jackson, Curtis Granderson and CC Sabathia, and New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman with Bronx Children's Museum Executive Director Denise Rosario Adusei at the museum's Sneaker Ball gala. (Photo: Brandon Moye)
Bronx, NY – June 26, 2024 – The Bronx Children’s Museum is thrilled to announce the incredible success of its annual gala, themed as its first-ever Sneaker Ball, held on June 24th, 2024, at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The fundraising event brought together advocates, supporters, and community leaders to celebrate the Museum’s commitment to youth development and the collective efforts of honorees dedicated to inspiring and empowering the children of the Bronx. Honorees included The Players Alliance, the New York Yankees, and artist André Trenier.
With its vibrant atmosphere and community spirit, The Sneaker Ball attracted nearly 300 guests for a night of inspiration, celebration, and philanthropy, all while donning their favorite sneakers to symbolize support for the museum’s mission.
Honoring Commitment to Youth Development
The evening was marked by heartfelt acknowledgments of the significant contributions made by the event’s three honorees.
The Players Alliance (TPA): Recognized with the Imagination Award for sharing their love of baseball by building pathways to opportunity within the game with the children of the Bronx. The Players Alliance has sponsored both the Legendary Black Yankees mural featured at the Bronx Terminal Market along with an upcoming Exhibiting Possibilities exhibit focused on baseball, STEM, and black players from all NY teams. TPA Board members Curtis Granderson, CC Sabathia, and Edwin Jackson, alongside Willie Randolph–accepted the award, highlighting their dedication to creating opportunities and fostering dreams for young athletes.
The New York Yankees: Also honored with the Imagination Award, the Yankees have continuously demonstrated their support for the Bronx community. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, and Brian Smith, Senior Vice President, Corporate/Community Relations, accepted the award on behalf of the Yankees. Brian Smith stated, "We have more to come, and the Yankees will continue to support the Museum as we did when it was a traveling exhibit on a big purple bus and do now that it has its own dedicated space.” Their initiatives in youth development and community engagement have positively impacted countless lives, reinforcing their role as champions both on and off the field.
André Trenier: He was awarded the Richard Abrons Impact Award for his extraordinary contributions to the arts and the Bronx community. His murals, including the "Exhibiting Possibilities" series recently unveiled directly across the street from the Museum at Bronx Terminal Market, inspire and bring joy to local youth, celebrating Bronx culture and heritage.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson also spoke about the importance of community partnerships, highlighting how collective efforts can significantly benefit the community and its youth.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
Denise Rosario Adusei, Executive Director of the Bronx Children’s Museum, delivered an inspiring speech reflecting on a year of remarkable achievements. She emphasized the Museum’s milestones, including serving over 100,000 children and families, opening the first children’s bookstore in the Bronx, and launching impactful programs in schools, and at festivals and parades.
“We have many more firsts to come. That is why we are all here—to honor those who have prioritized Bronx youth and to celebrate Bronx children together,” said Adusei. “With the support of our community and partners like we are honoring here tonight, we are making strides towards a brighter future, one step at a time.”
Supporting the Mission
The Sneaker Ball featured a silent auction and a live paddle raise, providing guests with the opportunity to contribute directly to the Museum’s initiatives. One of the highlights was the auctioning of a VIP Exhibit Opening Experience at the Museum with The Players Alliance, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the evening. Guests also bid on the opportunity to send Adusei to local schools to read her newly-released book, "Cesaria Feels the Beat," demonstrating the museum’s commitment to addressing literacy rates in the Bronx and promoting book ownership.
Looking Ahead
The Bronx Children’s Museum continues to be a pillar of inspiration and opportunity for the children of the Bronx. With the unwavering support of the community, partners, and advocates, the Museum is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.
The Museum thanks all the Sneaker Ball sponsors: The New York Yankees, The Players Alliance, Collado Family Foundation, BronxCares, Kimelman & Baird, Sarah and Marjorie Flaccavento, Montefiore Einstein, Ileana Vargas Rodríguez and José Rodríguez, Alannah Sheerin and Google, Kerry Washington, Grand Street Settlement, Jeanne B. Mulgrav, Nickelodeon, and Verizon.