#United States #New York City #Gary Vaynerchuk #Pencils of Promise #Susan Braun

Pencils of Promise Gala 2025: A Celebration of Impact

On September 25, 2025, the esteemed Pencils of Promise will host its Gala at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, bringing together a diverse group of individuals dedicated to improving education worldwide. This year’s theme emphasizes a heartfelt Homecoming, drawing attention back to the organization’s roots while focusing on its future missions. The evening will not only highlight the celebration of honorees but also seek to benefit Pencils of Promise's vision of building schools and providing quality education to children in developing nations.

Honoring Champions of Education

This year, the organization announces three remarkable honorees:

Gary Vaynerchuk - PoP Lifetime Achievement Award

Receiving the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award will be Gary Vaynerchuk, a notable advocate for global education. His passionate commitment and charitable efforts have led to substantial educational projects in Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. His unwavering dedication showcases the profound impact one can have on children’s lives through education.

Susan and Ervin Braun - PoP Impact Award

The Impact Award will honor Susan and Ervin Braun, who have been influential in supporting Pencils of Promise since its inception. As original board members and champions of the organization's founding vision, their efforts reflect a deep-seated love for education and lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for every child. Their story is an inspiring testament to the importance of philanthropy in educational initiatives.

Mimi Chan - PoP Family Award

Finally, Mimi Chan, the founding COO of Pencils of Promise, will receive the Family Award for her significant contributions during the organization’s early days. Her dedication and leadership were crucial in igniting a movement that strives for educational reform and sustainable change, proving that great things start with passionate individuals.

Past Honorees and Performers

The gala has previously honored and welcomed numerous celebrities and public figures who advocate for social change through their platforms. Past honorees include megastars like Justin Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Malala Yousafzai, among others. This year’s gala promises to be equally exciting and inspiring, as more high-profile figures are expected to be in attendance, celebrating educational accomplishments and advocating for future initiatives.

Supporting the Cause

The Fanatics Foundation is stepping up as the Promise Sponsor for this enchanting evening, showing its commitment to the cause. Various in-kind sponsors such as Duggal Visual Solutions, Istrico Productions, and Ten to One Rum also contribute to making this gala a success. Their support underlines the importance of collaboration among diverse sectors to enhance and sustain educational efforts.

For additional details regarding the evening's host committee and upcoming events, please visit Pencils of Promise.

About Pencils of Promise

Founded in 2008, Pencils of Promise has dedicated itself to increasing access to quality education for kids in parts of the world where educational opportunities are often scarce. To date, the organization has successfully constructed over 600 schools, impacting the educational journeys of more than 130,000 students in Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. As a recognized leader among innovative nonprofits, it continues to champion sustainable social change through education.

Join us in celebrating the heroic efforts of individuals shaping the future of education at the Pencils of Promise Gala 2025.