2026 Goddard Bash
Goddard Riverside’s 2026 Bash returns on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 PM at the Bryant Park Grill (25 W. 40th Street), with Bryant Park serving as a stunning backdrop. Guests will gather in the fully enclosed and tented South Garden for an evening celebrating the work of Goddard Riverside and the communities we serve.
This year, we are proud to honor Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning, Leila Bozorg for her leadership advancing equitable housing policy and expanding opportunities for New Yorkers to access and remain in safe, affordable housing. Her commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities reflects the values at the heart of Goddard Riverside’s mission.
The evening will be emceed by eight-time Emmy Award-winning PIX11 News host Monica Morales, creator and host of Monica Makes It Happen, whose community-centered reporting connects New Yorkers with resources and opportunities.
The evening will also celebrate the announcement of the tenth annual Goddard Riverside Stephan Russo Book Prize for Social Justice and the seventh annual Goddard Riverside CBC Youth Book Prize for Social Justice winners. Both prizes celebrate books that deepen our understanding of social issues and inspire change in the pursuit of a more just society.
What to Expect at the Goddard Bash
- Open bar + passed hors d’oeuvres!
- Festive attire!
- Meet and mingle with Goddard supporters and team members!
Goddard Riverside’s programs for children, teens, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and people living with mental illness invest in people and strengthen the community. Learn more about our programs.
Our Honoree: Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning
Leila Bozorg is the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning in New York City, where she leads citywide housing and land use strategies that guide New York City’s growth and affordability agenda. She is a housing and urban policy leader with more than 15 years of experience shaping policy, land use, and housing finance strategies to deliver large-scale, equity-driven outcomes. Throughout her tenure in public service, Leila has played a central role in landmark initiatives including the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform, public housing preservation efforts
leveraging billions in public and private investment, creating the City’s first comprehensive fair housing plan, and designing innovative housing finance and development programs. Her career spans senior roles at NYC Housing Preservation and Development, the City Planning Commission, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and NYC Kids RISE. She holds a Master in City Planning from MIT and a BA from Wesleyan University.
Our Emcee: Monica Morales, PIX11 News Host
Monica Morales is an eight-time Emmy Award-winning PIX11 News host, content creator, and founder of Monica Makes It Happen, a multi-platform franchise focused on turning storytelling into action and connecting New Yorkers with valuable resources.
Since 2016, Morales has focused her reporting on issues affecting New York City families, including affordable housing, food insecurity, financial empowerment, career access, and community support.
Monica Makes It Happen has earned back-to-back Community Service Emmy Awards, and Morales has also received a National Emmy Award for Breaking News and recognition for her reporting on New York City’s housing crisis. Through her work, she continues to spotlight community organizations, everyday heroes, and partnerships making a meaningful impact across the city.
Our Venue: Bryant Park Grill
Transportation
B, D, F, M Trains
6th Avenue, Bryant Park
1,2,3,4,5,6 & 7 Trains
Times Square – 42nd Street