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Heckscher Foundation Honored at Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s Annual Gala
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (“CMOM”) recognized the Heckscher Foundation for Children and Nessia Kushner, Director of Strategy and Vice-Chairman of the Heckscher Board, at its 2026 Annual Gala on April 20, honoring the Foundation’s sustained philanthropic investment in early literacy programs serving underserved youth across New York City. The evening raised $2.5 million for CMOM and brought together more than 500 supporters, civic leaders, and philanthropists.
“The spaces that CMOM creates and the educators in them are extraordinary. They meet children where they are, they inspire curiosity, and they send kids home with more words, more ideas, and more confidence than they arrived with.”
Also honored at the gala was Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, who received the Laurie M. Tisch Award for Leadership in recognition of her work expanding literacy access across Brooklyn and beyond. In her remarks, Johnson noted the shared mission connecting CMOM, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Heckscher Foundation around early literacy for New York City’s children.
Watch the evening’s tribute here:
