Our Story is Your Story
Join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, connection and impact where our journey becomes yours.
PoP Gala 2026: Tell Our Story invites you to invest in the dreams of students and our shared promise of global education.
Dress Code
Cocktail Attire
Location
Date
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time
6:00 PM VIP Reception
7:00 PM Cocktails
7:45 PM Dinner & Auction
PoP Impact Award Honorees
This yearโs PoP Impact Award honors Nancy & Ralph Casazzone and their family.
This honor recognizes PoP supporters who have had a tangible and lasting effect on the organization over the years. As early supporters of PoPโs work, they modeled philanthropy for their family and others ensuring that generosity becomes a lived tradition rather than a one-time act.
PoP Family Award Honoree
For our PoP Family Award, PoP is excited to honor Jocelyn Kmet.
This honor recognizes a current or former PoP team member, donor or partner who embodies the spirit of PoP and who weaves PoPโs values into their life. As one of PoPโs earliest employees, Jocelyn grew our mission and embodied the fire needed to turn a vision into reality, sparking joy and interest in a new generation of givers and educating them on the power of PoPโs work.
PoP Community Award
The 2026 Community Award is for the individuals who have created critical mass and long-term impact: the PoP Campaigners.
Campaigners have raised over $20M for global education since 2008. They have done everything from ultramarathons and treks across Mongolia to elementary school bake sales and wedding gift donations. The PoP Campaigners are proof that a committed group of individuals can create lasting change.
2026 Host Committee
James Algate
Emily Bonfiglio
Gabe Bourgeois
Adam Braun, Founder & Tehillah Braun
Nancy & Ralph Casazzone
Tammy Farley
Dana & Rob Hamwee
Yawa Hansen-Quao
Amanda & Brad Haugen
Jocelyn & Brian Kmet
Brittny & Eric Knight
Lisa & Ricky Novak
Gary Vaynerchuk
VaynerX
The Womble Family
2025 Sponsor
Can't Attend the Event?
Pencils of Promise
1115 Broadway, 12th Floor,
New York, NY 10010
212.777.3170
gala@pencilsofpromise.org
ยฉ2008 โ 2026 Pencils of Promise, a U.S. 501c3 charity