White Plains, N.Y. (June 2025) – United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) hosted its annual Imagine Gala, presented by DoorDash, on Wednesday, June 4, from 6–9 p.m. at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York. Nonprofit leaders, community supporters and corporate partners united for an evening celebrating the “spirit of caring”. The Imagine Gala honors exceptional community partners and raises critical funds to support UWWP’s mission of creating a more equitable community by advancing education, financial stability, and health initiatives.
The Imagine Gala was held just weeks after the release of the 2025 ALICE Report, which revealed that traditional measures of poverty have severely undercounted the number of households that are living in financial hardship in Westchester and Putnam counties. For example, a Westchester family of four with two children in childcare, needs to earn $131,000 a year just to afford the basics like food, rent, utilities, clothing, transportation and health care. That is more than four times the Federal Poverty level for a family of four, which is $30,000 a year.
Tom Gabriel, CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam set the scene for the state of Westchester and Putnam, and encouraged a call to action for the hundreds of gala attendees in the ballroom, “We should be investing in our communities and helping to lift up our neighbors, because when more of us are thriving, we have a more vibrant community.”
The “Spirit of Caring” award is United Way’s highest level of recognition, and this year it was presented to NewYork-Presbyterian’s Paul J. Dunphey, PepsiCo, and Door Dash.
Chairman’s Award – Paul J. Dunphey, MBA
Paul J. Dunphey serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Hospital, and President of NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. He is recognized for his visionary leadership in healthcare, overseeing strategy, operations, and community engagement. Under his guidance, both hospitals have strengthened their commitment to quality care, patient experience, and access to essential health services for residents.
Corporate Citizenship Award – PepsiCo
At the heart of PepsiCo is their belief in the potential possessed by the people and communities they serve. PepsiCo integrates sustainability directly into its business practices working to leave a positive imprint on society and the environment. PepsiCo works collaboratively with United Way to drive transformative change in Westchester and Putnam Counties through philanthropic giving, grants, and partnership events.
Community Service Award – DoorDash DoorDash’s Project DASH partnership with United Way has transformed lives in Westchester and Putnam for 5 years through the Ride United Last Mile Delivery program, helping vulnerable residents receive food and other essential goods to meet their basic needs. This innovative home delivery solution helps address hunger and other challenges for those without access to transportation. This highly collaborative program is one of DoorDash’s largest nonprofit partnerships in the United States and, locally, is celebrating 150,000+ home deliveries to those in need.
“Our partnership with United Way of Westchester and Putnam is one of Project Dash’s brightest lights,” said Liz Jarvis-Shean, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at DoorDash.
Megan Hurley, PepsiCo North America’s Senior Vice President and General Council, spoke on United Way and PepsiCo being united in purpose, “We uplift and we support people in our communities, and we create environments where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” said Hurley, “I am profoundly grateful for PepsiCo’s decades long connection with the United Way.”
“United Way powers communities to make all of its community members better,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Hospital, and President of NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, Paul J. Dunphey, “We could not be more proud for the collaboration in partnership with the United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
“The Imagine Gala is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when community, compassion, and commitment come together,” said Tom Gabriel, “We’re grateful to honor partners who not only share our mission but actively advance it every day for the people of Westchester and Putnam.”
In addition to the awards presentation, guests were treated to a performance by children attending the United Way’s Education United Afterschool Program at Morse Elementary School in Tarrytown. The students, who were trained by the Westchester Ballet Company as part of their afterschool activities, performed a dance routine for the attendees. Guests also heard a musical performance by students from the Lagond Music School. United Way’s Imagine Gala is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor – DoorDash; Platinum Sponsors – NewYork- Presbyterian, PepsiCo; Gold Sponsors – Barbara and H. Rodgin Cohen, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Webster Bank, Margaret and David Yawman; Silver Sponsors – African American Men of Westchester, IBM, M&T Bank, PCSB Community Foundation, PURE Insurance, Wegmans; Bronze Sponsors – Apple Bank, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, ExtensisHR, Fifth Third Wealth Advisors, Lori and Walter Hosp, Lawley Insurance, Paraco Gas.
For more information, visit http://www.uwwp.org/gala or contact Laurie Noel at lnoel@uwwp.org or (914) 688-1740.
About United Way of Westchester and Putnam
United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) is an anti-poverty organization dedicated to improving the lives of 40% of our neighbors who live in poverty or paycheck to paycheck. United Way provides strategic resources and tools to help struggling residents lead a better, more stable life, and these include our 211 Helpline operating 24/7 across the Hudson Valley, early literacy programming for preschoolers in underserved communities, job skills training and financial empowerment for financially struggling adults and families, as well as access to health services and discounts on prescription drugs. United Way supports hundreds of local nonprofits with millions of dollars in grants and essential goods for basic needs, as well as by providing affordable professional development and connecting nonprofits to new resources.
UWWP is located at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. Phone: 914-997-6700 Website: www.uwwp.org, Facebook: (www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP), LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/united-way-of-westchester-and-putnam, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedwaywp/ and Twitter (@UnitedWayWP)
