The Impact Behind Asphalt Green’s 2026 Gala
In each season at Asphalt Green, our annual Gala is the championship game.
As the largest fundraiser of the year, Asphalt Green’s Gala unites teammates from across the worlds of sports, fitness, and play for a critical night that fuels the expansion of programs and scholarships that transform lives all across New York City.
This year’s Gala is coming up next at another iconic NYC institution—The Central Park Zoo, in what will be a game-changing night in New York City recreation.
Whether you’ll be joining us at the event or rooting for us from afar, sports, fitness, and play for all is always worth celebrating.
Here’s why.
Impact By the Numbers
This year, Asphalt Green transformed lives in every borough, making an unprecedented impact in NYC.
19,000+
Total athletes served across all free and subsidized programs.
14,000+
Students who participated in our Recess Enhancement Program.
1,800+
Children across all five boroughs who learned to swim for free through Wave Makers.
450+
Older adults pursuing active, healthier lives through our subsidized fitness program.
Who Will Be Honored at the Gala?
This year’s Gala will honor two leaders who exemplify Asphalt Green’s commitment to excellence, access, and service: William S. Eakins and Olympic Gold medalist Ashleigh Johnson.
William S. Eakins, Asphalt Green Board Member
William S. Eakins has been a champion for Asphalt Green over the course of five decades, both as a long-standing member of the Asphalt Green Board of Directors and as counsel to the George E. and Annette Cross Murphy Charitable Fund, a foundation established under the will of Dr. George E. Murphy and further funded under the will of Annette Cross Murphy, Asphalt Green’s founders.
William’s professional journey featured a strong commitment to civic service: in his twenties, he created subsidized home-sharing and respite care programs for New York seniors and used his expertise in government to secure ongoing funding for them. His leadership also included several appointive positions in New York City and State government, and later in Asheville, North Carolina, where he acquired a residence in 2008. As legislative counsel to the state senate majority, he played a key role in shaping New York State’s tax enforcement laws and significant tax reforms during the 1980s. In addition, he currently serves on the board of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens.
Ashleigh Jonhnson: Zesiger Award of Excellence Winner
Ashleigh is the first African American woman to make a U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. Despite breaking barriers and reaching the pinnacle of her sport, Ashleigh’s legacy extends far beyond the water.
Throughout her athletic career, Ashleigh has used her platform to advocate for essential swimming and water safety for all. Her efforts exemplify Asphalt Green’s commitment to swimming for all, as our Wave Makers initiative brings free swimming lessons to second graders across New York City.
What Programs Does the Gala Support?
Asphalt Green breaks down barriers through free and low-cost programs that expand access to high quality sports, fitness, and play opportunities. As a nonprofit organization, all revenue from fee-based programs and donations go directly to extending our impact across New York City, bringing recreational programs where they’re needed most.
- Recess Enhancement Program (REP) — Asphalt Green partners with local elementary schools to design safe and engaging recreational programming for students, featuring more than 150 games and activities to transform recess into structured, active playtime. With an assigned REP Coach at each partner school, the program promotes conflict resolution, healthy routines, and inclusive play for students of all ages and abilities.
- Community Sports Leagues — Asphalt Green’s Community Sports Leagues bring free and low-cost basketball, soccer, and flag football programming to public and charter school students who lack access to organized sports. The program adheres to the same standard of excellence as Asphalt Green’s fee-based offerings, helping participants build teamwork, perseverance, accountability, and a passion for sport.
- Scholarships — Asphalt Green provides nearly $1.25 million in scholarships annually for its sports, aquatics, and camp programs, giving every athlete, swimmer, or camper the chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of financial circumstance.
- Wave Makers — Wave Makers is an innovative partnership among the Gray Foundation, New York City Council Members, and Asphalt Green’s Safe Swim NYC initiative that provides free, comprehensive swimming lessons to second graders across New York City regardless of socioeconomic background. The program addresses structural inequities in swim access and aims to empower the next generation of New Yorkers with the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely and build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy activity.
- Community Events — Asphalt Green hosts special events open to the public, including larger-than-life swim meets, active outdoor events, and fun-filled games and activities for the entire family. These free and low-cost gatherings foster connection across all ages and backgrounds, bringing the community together through the power of sports, fitness, and play.
How Can You Support ASphalt green?
New Yorkers who believe everyone deserves the chance to move, play, and thrive can still make a meaningful impact at Asphalt Green’s 2026 Gala on Thursday, May 28. While tickets are sold out, donation opportunities remain open, and your support goes directly toward programs that change lives across New York City.
