2024 Gridiron Gala

Thank you for spending an incredible evening with us at the 2024 Gridiron Gala. Together, we celebrated the power of team with the New York Giants and the New York Jets and raised over $2.3 million for United Way of New York City’s (UWNYC) transformative work to ensure all communities can thrive!

Photo Highlights

our 2024 honorees

Community Quarterback

Rudy Wynter

President, National Grid New York

Rudy Wynter, President, National Grid New York, was recognized as our 2024 Community Quarterback. Rudy leads National Grid New York’s delivery of electricity and natural gas to four million customers across New York State while advancing the company’s and state’s clean energy goals. A native of Brooklyn, Rudy earned his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Pratt Institute and Master’s of Business Administration from Fordham University.

The George Irish MVP Award

Denise M. Pickett

President, Global Services Group, American Express

Denise M. Pickett, President, Global Services Group, American Express, and member of the UWNYC Board of Directors, received the 2024 George Irish MVP Award. Denise leads American Express’ customer service, credit and fraud operations serving individuals, entrepreneurs, and commercial clients around the world, as well as consumer travel and lifestyle services. She joined the UWNYC Board of Directors in 2015 and has been a longtime supporter of our mission. Denise is particularly passionate about our education equity work, which empowers students, families, and educators in underserved neighborhoods.

Hometown Heroes

Darius Slayton

Wide Receiver, New York Giants

In five seasons with the Giants, Slayton has totaled 220 receptions for 3,324 yards and 19 touchdowns. Off the field, Darius has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with the Far Rockaway Giants, a youth program providing mentorship, tutoring, and sports opportunities for boys in Far Rockaway, NY. He has contributed thousands of dollars to provide household needs, clothing, food, gifts and events for kids of the Far Rockaway Giants and their families. Additionally, Darius annually hosts a free youth football camp in his hometown of Atlanta and provides meals and household items to families during the holidays through his Left Hand, Right Hand Foundation. 

Quincy Williams

Linebacker, New York Jets

Quincy was named Curtis Martin Team MVP by his teammates and earned First-Team All Pro honors after starting every game in 2023. Last year, he recorded 139 tackles and 10 passes defensed. Off the field, Quincy is an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society; in Fall of 2023, he helped lead a relaxation event at MetLife Stadium for mothers and daughters impacted by cancer. Quincy has also played a key role in the advancement of girls flag football domestically and abroad. Most recently, he promoted the Jets and Bears NFL Girls Flag League, the first NFL-supported girls flag football league in the U.K.

our impact

We appreciate Chris Canty and Tina Cervasio, our incredible hosts for the evening again this year.

Thank you to all our sponsors, supporters, and partners who made the 31st annual Gridiron Gala such a success, including our Gala Leadership, Gala Committee, and the UWNYC Board of Directors. We are grateful for every supporter who makes our work across this great city possible. If you haven’t yet, become a supporter now.

Stay connected with our work on social media @UnitedWayNYC!

Check out our printed journal to view all the supporters who made the 31st annual Gridiron Gala possible, including Champions, Champions Plus, and Touchdown supporters. Additional sponsors and supporters can be viewed in our digital journal.

The 2024 Gridiron Gala was made possible by UWNYC’s Board of Directors, the dedicated Gridiron Gala Committee, our generous corporate sponsors, and our committed supporters.

See all Sponsors