NYC TOURISM FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES HONOREES FOR ANNUAL GALA

Architect and Designer David Rockwell and The Miranda Family to be Honored for their Contributions to New York City’s Tourism Industry

Partnership for New York City President and CEO Kathryn Wylde to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Tickets and Tables for This Year’s Gala Are on Sale Now

New York City (November 19, 2025) — The New York City Tourism Foundation is proud to announce honorees for this year’s New York City Tourism Foundation Gala, which will take place on Monday, December 8, at The Plaza Hotel. The gala, hosted by NBC 4 New York’s Kay Angrum, raises funds awarded as grants for small cultural organizations across the five boroughs.

“The New York City Tourism Foundation provides essential grants that help small cultural organizations thrive in every corner of our city, contributing to NYC’s diverse creativity that attracts 25 million cultural visitors each year,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “As we raise significant foundation funds via this year’s gala, we’re proud to honor leaders that fuel the tourism industry and strengthen our communities, and we look forward to celebrating their impact this December.”

Grants provided by the New York City Tourism Foundation allow small arts and culture organizations to connect with new audiences and broaden their reach by creating programming that speaks to diverse audiences, making arts and culture accessible for all New Yorkers. This year’s honorees are prominent leaders who have significantly contributed to New York City’s tourism industry and play an integral role in the City’s vibrancy and resiliency:

• David Rockwell, Founder & President of Rockwell Group, the award-winning multidisciplinary architecture and design firm. Founded in 1984, David Rockwell established his namesake practice five years after graduating from architecture school with a desire to constantly learn and create. Today, he and his 350-person team design spaces centered on fostering connection and curiosity. Rockwell’s work includes notable dining destinations such as Nobu and The Corner Store. His hotel portfolio includes W New York – Union Square and CIVILIAN Hotel, and his work in the cultural space includes the Hayes Theater, PAC NYC, The Shed and the pro bono Imagination Playground initiative. 

• The Miranda Family: For more than 40 years of community activism and philanthropy, Luis A. Miranda, Jr. and Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda have given back to their community alongside their children and family members including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luz Miranda-Crespo, Miguel Towns, Luis Crespo, and Vanessa Nadal. Through their work and commitment to social justice, arts education, and supporting artists of color, the family has created and supported institutions uplifting underserved communities in Upper Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs.

• Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of Partnership for New York City will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 20+ years of leadership at the non-profit organization. Kathryn has guided and championed the City’s business community, working to advance New York City’s standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, tables or donate to the Foundation, visit https://corporate.nyctourism.com/foundation/gala-2025.

For over two decades, the New York City Tourism Foundation Gala has honored distinguished leaders supporting New York City’s vibrant tourism sector. Past honorees include former Citigroup and Time Warner CEO and Chairman Richard Parsons, Former American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, former New York City Deputy Mayor and Sidewalk Labs co-founder Dan Doctoroff, Carnival Corporation, Union Square Hospitality Group founder Danny Meyer, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels, Melba Wilson of Melba’s, and many others.

The New York City Tourism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1999 to educate domestic and international audiences about New York City’s diverse and vibrant cultural community. The Foundation has provided grants across the five boroughs through its Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program, which is administered by offices of the City’s five Borough Presidents. Grant recipient initiatives include the Alice Austen House, BRIC, The Bronx Arts Ensemble, The Center for Jewish History, and Queens Film Festival.

About New York City Tourism + Conventions:
New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.