New York – September 15, 2026 -- Healing New York will present the Second Round Foundation with its Game Changers for Children Award at the 2026 Fall Gala on November 19, honoring the group's youth-focused education and mentorship work.
The gala takes place at New York Historical on November 19
The event runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at New York Historical, located at 170 Central Park West. Healing New York, incorporated in 1875 as the nation's first child protection agency, uses the annual gala to recognize individuals and organizations advancing child and family wellbeing.
Jalen and Sandra Brunson co-founded the Foundation to widen youth opportunity
New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson and his mother Sandra Brunson built the Second Round Foundation around scholarships, mentorship, and wellness partnerships for young people across New York City. "I've always believed that where you start doesn't have to determine where you finish," Brunson said, adding that young people often just need someone to believe in them.
Healing New York leadership says the two missions align
Aysha E. Schomburg, President and CEO of Healing New York, said both organizations share the belief that young people should always be seen and supported. Lincoln Frank, Chair of Healing New York's Board of Directors, said the honor reflects a shared commitment to giving every child a stable and hopeful future.
Second Round's CEO frames the award as validation of equity work
Nija Williams, CEO of the Second Round Foundation, said the organization's work is about "planting seeds of equity that can grow into lasting change," and called it an honor to share that goal with an agency with more than 150 years of child advocacy history.