On Saturday, March 1, the New York Junior League will host its 73rd Annual Winter Ball event at Cipriani South Street in New York City. Last year’s sold-out black-tie fundraiser broke the New York Junior League’s attendance records with nearly 1,000 guests and raised over $700,000. We are looking forward to another groundbreaking year ahead!
Our largest fundraiser also celebrates both our community projects and our women volunteers who dedicate themselves to improving communities in New York City. Since 1952, the Winter Ball has helped raise essential funds for the NYJL’s community programs while featuring the presentation of NYJL’s highest awards to seven volunteers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to volunteerism and our community. Winter Ball proceeds make our community work possible.
The New York Junior League (NYJL) is thrilled to announce that Craig Melvin will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 73rd Annual Winter Ball!
Craig Melvin is the award-winning co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY. He was previously a news anchor on TODAY, a co-host of the “3rd Hour of TODAY,” and a host of syndicated Dateline NBC broadcasts.
Melvin has covered a wide-range of news events, including several Republican and Democratic National Conventions and three Presidential Inaugurations. His coverage of politics has included notable interviews with former President Bill Clinton, then-Vice President Joe Biden, former Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former Secretaries of State John Kerry, Mike Pompeo and Condoleezza Rice.
In addition, he has also covered five Olympic Games and six Super Bowls. Prior to joining NBC News and MSNBC in July 2011, Melvin was a weekend anchor for WRC, NBC’s owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C.. Before that, Melvin earned acclaim as an evening news anchor at WIS in Columbia, South Carolina, which is also his hometown.
Melvin is a graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he serves on the board of trustees. He is an active member in several charities, including serving on the board of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Melvin is on X at @craigmelvin.
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, Awards Presentation, Live Auction
9:30 p.m. • Dessert, Dancing, Silent Auction
12:00 a.m. • Evening Concludes
TICKETS AND DONATIONS
ATTEND THE EVENT
$275 • Dessert & Dancing • SOLD OUT
As a Dessert & Dancing ticket holder, you arrive after dinner to join Dinner and Harriman Circle ticket holders for dessert, dancing, and the end of the silent auction.
* Dessert & Dancing ticket prices increase to $300 on February 14, 2025.
$25,000 • Diamond Event Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT
As a Diamond Level Title Event Benefactor, your company will enjoy premium exposure and exclusive access throughout our gala season. This prestigious sponsorship includes: 10 Harriman VIP tickets with highest priority seating during dinner. Your company is highlighted throughout the season with two dedicated social media posts on NYJL platforms, a custom volunteer opportunity tailored to your philanthropic initiatives, recognition in the NYJL Annual Report, night-of sponsorship of the VIP reception, sponsorship of the “night-of” logistics email, logo on the step & repeat, and a full-page color priority placement ad in our printed journal.
$15,000 • Platinum Event Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT
As a Platinum Level Event Benefactor, your company will enjoy exposure and exclusive access throughout our gala season. This sponsorship includes: 10 Harriman VIP tickets with priority seating during dinner. Your company is highlighted throughout the season with one dedicated social media post on NYJL platforms, prominent logo placement on the bars, logo on the step & repeat, and a full-page color priority placement ad in our printed journal.
Bespoke Event Benefactor • winterball@nyjl.com
We will work with you to create a bespoke benefactor level that aligns your brand with a worthy cause and makes a lasting impact in the community through your marketing and giving priorities. Please email winterball@nyjl.org for more details. We look forward to working with you!
$12,500 • Gold Individual Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT
By reserving a Gold Benefactor Table, you and your guests will enjoy 10 exclusive Harriman VIP tickets, prominent preferred seating, and a full-page B&W ad in our printed journal.
$7,500 • Silver Individual Benefactor Table • SOLD OUT
By reserving a Silver Benefactor Table, you and your guests will enjoy 10 dinner tickets, preferred seating, and a half-page B&W ad in our printed journal.
$1,000 • Harriman VIP • SOLD OUT
As a Harriman Circle ticket holder, you are cordially invited to an exclusive pre-ball cocktail reception – a luxurious start to an unforgettable evening! To end the evening, Harriman ticket holders will receive a gift bag with curated items to take home.
$600 • Dinner • SOLD OUT
As a Dinner ticket holder, you will enjoy an elegant cocktail reception featuring our silent auction, prior to a seated dinner featuring the award presentation for our Outstanding Sustainers and Outstanding Volunteers. The excitement continues with a thrilling live auction to wrap the first part of the evening. Dinner ticket holders will receive a gift bag with curated items to take home.
Please note that all ticket sales are final and we are unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or transfers.
DONATE TO THE BALL
Our fundraising success would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors and individual donors. You can support the 2025 Winter Ball and our community work through a direct donation or a direct donation pledge.
PARTICIPATE IN THE JOURNAL
The 2025 Winter Ball Journal is a souvenir publication distributed the night of the event to every dinner ticket holder. The Journal includes a letter from the NYJL President, the program for the evening, biographies of the Outstanding Sustainers and Outstanding Volunteers, and details on the live auction items. The deadline has passed to be published in the 2025 Winter Ball Journal, but would love for you to participate in the 2026 Winter Ball Journal.