We Had a Ball…

and you helped make it possible.

The 2026 Emerald Ball — themed IMPACCT. Inspire. Ignite. — brought together an exceptional community of changemakers, supporters, and friends, all united by a shared belief in equity, justice, and the power of Brooklyn.

Your presence, your generosity, and your spirit made the evening truly unforgettable. Together, we celebrated 61 years of advancing affordable housing, empowering small businesses, and strengthening the communities that make Brooklyn home.

Our Hosts

A heartfelt thank you to our remarkable hosts who guided us through an unforgettable evening with warmth, grace, and brilliance.

Vanessa Freeman

Vanessa Freeman

News Anchor & TV Host

PIX11 Morning News anchor, philanthropist, and community advocate — Vanessa brought poise and passion to every moment of the evening.

Shannon LaNier

Shannon LaNier

TV Host, Actor & Author

Global TV show host, actor, motivational speaker, and author — Shannon brought energy and heart to the stage throughout the night.

Our Talent

The evening came alive through the extraordinary artistry of our performers. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

Damien Sneed

Damien Sneed

Emmy & Dove Award–Winning Composer & Performing Artist

A once-in-a-generation multi-hyphenate artist whose work spans the sacred and the stage, the conservatory and concert hall. Damien's performance was nothing short of transcendent.

The Soapbox Presents

The Soapbox Presents

Cultural Platform

A platform for cultural preservation and community empowerment, The Soapbox Presents has provided free arts programming to communities since 2020 — celebrating the brilliance of Black and brown artists.

Our Honorees

We are proud to have celebrated three extraordinary leaders whose work fuels resilience, equity, and justice in Brooklyn and beyond.

Valerie White

Valerie White

The Community Builder Award

Senior Executive Director at LISC NY, recognized for extraordinary leadership in community development and economic equity.

Brandon J. Hurst

Brandon J. Hurst

The Local Business Trailblazer Award

Community leader and social impact advocate honored for his dedication to youth empowerment and social justice initiatives.

Pat Julien

Pat Julien

The Shirley Chisholm Award

Director of the Homeowner Department at IMPACCT Brooklyn, honored for tireless advocacy and commitment to our organizational values.

Our Sponsors

The Emerald Ball would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your investment in IMPACCT Brooklyn's mission means everything.