An Extraordinary Evening of Community, Celebration, and Impact

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2026 Annual Benefit and helped make the evening such a tremendous success.

It was a night defined by conviviality and shared commitment, bringing together advocates, partners, and friends united by a common belief in dignity, opportunity, and justice for the communities we serve.

We were especially honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose work profoundly shaped both our mission and the broader landscape of public service: Commissioner Stanley Richards, recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Award, and Joseph R. Turner, Esq., recipient of the Exceptional Leader & Social Justice Warrior Award.

The evening also marked an exciting milestone for Exponents as Board Chair, George Brandman announced the appointment of Samantha Lopez as Chief Executive Officer. Samantha’s leadership ushers in an exciting new chapter for our organization. Read the full announcement.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Board of Directors for their steadfast leadership, and to our generous supporters whose partnership sustains and strengthens Exponents’ work every day.

The evening reflected this year’s theme: One night. One investment. A lasting impact for thousands of New Yorkers. We were deeply moved by the powerful reflections shared throughout the evening, including stories from program participants who spoke about the impact of Exponents’ Center for Personal and Professional Development and its CASAC and CRPA training programs. Their experiences served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when education, recovery, and opportunity come together in service of transformation.

Thank you for being part of the Exponents community. We are grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to the work ahead -and to welcoming you again at next year’s Annual Benefit.

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Visionary Leader • Dedicated Advocate • Our Friend: Joe

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“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” -Charles Darwin

Guided by the principle expressed in the quote above, Exponents continually evolves to meet both present realities and emerging challenges -from shifts in the overdose crisis and behavioral health workforce shortages to new barriers facing people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating growth, resilience, and transformation at Exponents’ Annual Benefit: Evolution. This year, our theme Evolution, honors the incredible journeys of those we serve and the collective progress we make in communities affected by addiction and HIV/AIDS and builds on our commitment to improving health and igniting hope. This annual benefit honors how far we’ve come and ensures we can continue to adapt in a rapidly changing public health landscape. The benefit will promptly begin at 6:00 p.m.

Revenue from the Annual Benefit provides flexible critical funding that allows Exponents to respond in real time, scale effective programs, and pilot innovative approaches as community needs change.

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HONORING

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ABOUT OUR EVENT

Experience a night of connection, inspiration and celebration at the gorgeous Midtown Loft & Terrace from 6 – 9pm

• Cocktail Hour & Dinner: Enjoy a curated selection of beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and delicious food as you mingle with community leaders, advocates, and friends of Exponents.
• Inspiring Stories & Awards: Hear directly from the people whose lives have been impacted by Exponents’ programs and celebrate honorees, leaders in the field of behavioral health in New York City.
• Silent & Live Auction: Bid on exclusive experiences and unique items, knowing every dollar supports life-saving services

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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