The Annual Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library Gala

FYPL 2025 Gala on April 24 to honor Wilson Kimball and Eugene Howell

The Annual FYPL Gala to benefit the Yonkers Public Library will take place on Thurs., April 24, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. at the Riverfront Library in downtown Yonkers. The theme of the event this year is “Stepping Stones to Literacy” in honor of the ongoing and innovative efforts that YPL undertakes to support literacy in early childhood, and at all stages of life. Tickets for the event go on sale Tues., Feb. 25, 2025.

“Literacy is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving society,” said Nancy Maron, President of FYPL. “YPL continues to find new and creative ways to support early learning, and also supports literacy programs for adults, so everyone can enjoy the pleasure of reading and better understand the world around them.”

This year, the Gala will honor Wilson Kimball, longstanding YPL supporter and President and CEO of MHACY; and Eugene Howell, YPL Reference Librarian who has served generations of Yonkersites throughout his 49 years with the organization.

“We’re thrilled to honor Wilson Kimball, who has been a great friend to YPL and done so much to elevate the quality of life in Yonkers in her roles as CEO of MHACY and Commissioner of Planning and Development,” said Jesse Montero, library director. “We’re also delighted to recognize the nearly half century of service from librarian Eugene Howell – a beloved figure here at YPL and in the larger Yonkers community.”

The FYPL Gala continues its tradition of being the liveliest fundraiser in Yonkers, transforming the library into a glamorous party space for one night. The event offers a way to hear about exciting new programs at YPL and take photos with your favorite book characters, all while enjoying the delectable cocktail fare provided by Zuppa’s and raising money for a good cause. This year, FYPL welcomes the all-star MJT the band to provide musical accompaniment from cocktail hour to dance party, and Lindsay Jackson to emcee the cause auction.

Early bird tickets are available through April 1. Free parking will be available at the Buena Vista garage for those who purchase tickets by April 20. A free shuttle to the venue will be provided from the garage to the venue from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and back to the garage from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

More information on sponsorship opportunities, ads and ticket purchase are available here.

About The Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library

The Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library is an independent not-for-profit organization, created in 2017 by the trustees and administrators of YPL as a means to actively support and enrich the programming, spaces and collections of the Library. Among the signature programs The Foundation has sponsored Born to Read, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, Homework Help, Virtual Author Series, and the teen arts programs at the Riverfront Art Gallery. For more information visit: www.foundationforypl.org.

About Yonkers Public Library

For 130 years, The Yonkers Public Library (“YPL”) has been an essential and dynamic institution whose dedicated staff provide outstanding service, meaningful collections, and impactful programs in welcoming and inspiring spaces for the people of Yonkers. With three locations: Riverfront Library, Grinton I. Will Branch and Crestwood Branch, YPL’s vision is to improve the life in Yonkers for everyone by fostering literacy, culture, connection and community. For more information about the Yonkers Public Library, visit www.ypl.org.