New York Junior League

Description

New York Junior League Presents the 74th Annual Winter Ball

Gilded Legacy: Celebrating 125 Years of Impact

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Cipriani South Street | 10 South Street, New York, NY 

On Saturday, February 28th, the New York Junior League will host its 74th Annual Winter Ball at Cipriani South Street in New York City. This year marks a remarkable milestone — 125 years of service, leadership, and impact in New York City. In honor of this anniversary, we proudly celebrate our community projects and the incredible women volunteers whose dedication continues to strengthen both the NYJL and the communities we serve.

This year’s Winter Ball theme, Gilded Legacy: Celebrating 125 Years of Impact, honors the New York Junior League’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and community, while paying tribute to the organization’s founding in 1901. Rooted in compassion and civic engagement, the NYJL has shaped generations of women leaders dedicated to improving the lives of New Yorkers.

Since 1952, the Winter Ball has brought the New York community together to raise vital funds for the NYJL’s programs. Last year’s sold-out black-tie fundraiser broke attendance records with nearly 1,000 guests and raised over $850,000. We look forward to another record-breaking celebration this year as we toast to the next 125 years of the NYJL!

WINTER BALL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00 p.m. • Harriman Circle Benefactor Reception
7:00 p.m. • Cocktails for Dinner Guests
8:00 p.m. • Dinner, Presentation, Live Auction
9:30 p.m. • Dessert, Dancing, Silent Auction
12:00 a.m. • Evening Concludes

125th Anniversary Legacy Award Honoree
Valerie S. Mason

Established in honor of the NYJL’s 125th anniversary, the Legacy Award recognizes an extraordinary woman whose leadership, service, and professional achievements reflect the values and enduring impact of the organization. Mason exemplifies these ideals through a distinguished career defined by integrity, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to advancing women’s leadership across industries and communities.

A highly respected attorney, executive, and board leader, Mason has built a distinguished career at the intersection of law, finance, governance, and strategic leadership. She has held senior leadership roles within complex organizations, advising on critical business, legal, and governance matters while championing ethical leadership and long-term institutional strength. Mason currently serves as Co-Chair of the Lender Finance practice and is a member of the Finance and Banking Department at Otterbourg P.C. She graduated magna cum laude with Distinction from Barnard College and earned her Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law.

Mason’s commitment to service extends well beyond her professional career through her longstanding involvement with nonprofit and civic organizations. She has served on numerous boards, including that of the Women’s Prison Association, an organization with a long history of partnership with the New York Junior League, where she has contributed her leadership and expertise to advance education, social justice, and community impact. Additionally, she currently serves as Chair of Manhattan Community Board 8. Her belief in strong governance, thoughtful advocacy, and sustained investment in people closely aligns with the NYJL’s mission to develop women leaders and improve the lives of women, children, and families in New York City.

“Valerie S. Mason embodies the leadership the New York Junior League seeks to inspire,” said Jeri Powell, President of the New York Junior League. “Her career demonstrates how professional excellence, service, and mentorship can drive meaningful community impact. As we celebrate 125 years, we are honored to recognize a leader whose work reflects our mission and encourages others to lead with purpose.”

TICKETS AND DONATIONS

ATTEND THE EVENT

$25,000 • Diamond Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT

Experience the ultimate VIP treatment and visibility with our Diamond Sponsorship. Enjoy a VIP reception and highest priority seating for 10 guests, along with a full-page color ad in the Journal. Your support will be highlighted with a dedicated social media post and your logo on the event step & repeat and website. This sponsorship also includes the opportunity to sponsor the VIP reception or the “Night-Of” Logistics Email, and receive recognition in the NYJL Annual Report. Make an unforgettable impact while being seen as a leader in supporting our mission.

$15,000 • Platinum Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT

Elevate your presence as a Platinum Sponsor with VIP reception access and high-priority seating for 10 guests. Your support will be showcased with a full-page, color, high-priority placement ad in the printed Journal, your logo featured on the event step & repeat and website, and prominent logo placement as the bar sponsor. Celebrate the evening in style while gaining meaningful visibility and demonstrating your commitment to the NYJL’s mission.

$12,500 • Gold Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT

Show your support as a Gold Sponsor with VIP reception access and prominent preferred seating for 10 guests. Your sponsorship includes a full-page black-and-white ad in the printed Journal, providing meaningful visibility while celebrating the evening’s festivities. Join us in making an impact and be recognized as a valued supporter of the NYJL’s mission.

$7,500 • Silver Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT

Celebrate your support with our Silver Sponsorship, which includes 10 dinner tickets for you and your guests and a half-page black-and-white ad in the printed Journal. This sponsorship offers meaningful visibility while allowing you to join in the evening’s festivities and support the NYJL’s mission.

$1,500 • 125th Anniversary Celebration Circle of 100 • SOLD OUT

In honor of this historic anniversary, we are introducing a special, limited-edition ticket level: the 125th Anniversary Celebration Circle of 100. Only 100 tickets will be available. This tier includes all Harriman Circle benefits, plus: a commemorative L.L.Bean Boat & Tote, hand-painted by Gabriela Vascimini with our 125th Anniversary brand logo and an homage to the League’s original volunteer committees (Library, Arts, Flowers, and Music), name recognition on a special 125th Anniversary Celebration Circle of 100 Step & Repeat, special acknowledgment in the Winter Ball invitation, and inclusion in the 125th Anniversary Celebration Circle of 100 journal ad.

$1,000 • Harriman VIP • SOLD OUT

Enjoy a VIP evening to remember—featuring an exclusive cocktail hour beginning at 6p.m., an exquisite  dinner, exciting silent and live auctions, dessert and dancing, and access to a private VIP room and bar for the evening. You’ll also receive an exclusive VIP gift bag to take home. Our VIP experience was the talk of the town last year, and this year will be no exception! With a $1,000 commitment, you will also have special acknowledgment in the Winter Ball invitation and journal. 

$600 • Dinner Ticket • SOLD OUT

Guests will begin the evening with a cocktail hour, followed by a beautifully prepared three-course dinner featuring Cipriani’s signature cuisine and exceptional service. The night continues with exciting silent and live auctions, culminating in dessert and dancing. Immerse yourself in the elegant ambiance and celebrate alongside fellow guests in a memorable evening of sophistication and community. Dinner provides the perfect start to an unforgettable night of elegance and celebration.

$300 • Dessert & Dancing Ticket • SOLD OUT

Join us at 9:30 p.m. to dance the night away and enjoy Cipriani’s exquisite desserts and signature Bellinis while mingling and celebrating late into the evening. The night also features a lively silent auction, giving you the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences. An open bar ensures your favorite drinks are always within reach as you enjoy the sounds of our band The Midnight Project. Dessert & Dancing promises a perfect finale to an unforgettable evening of elegance and excitement.

Please note that tickets are for guests 21 years of age and older. All ticket sales are final; we are unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or transfers. 

DONATE TO THE BALL 

Our fundraising success would not be possible without the support of our corporate sponsors and individual donors. You can support the 2026 Winter Ball and our community initiatives through a direct donation or a pledge. If your donation is received by November 28, 2025, your name will be featured in the invitation.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Winter Ball has previously been featured in Avenue, Manhattan Magazine, Quest, Town & Country, WWD, and many other publications. If you are a member of the press and are interested in featuring The Winter Ball, please reach out to winterballpress@nyjl.org to learn more.

Tag us on social to share your Winter Ball moments with us! @thenyjl or use hashtag #WinterBall2026!

IN KIND DONORS