19th Annual Golden Heart Awards

DJs The Muses set the mood with irresistible beats—from a sparkling cocktail hour to a high-energy after-dinner soiree.

God’s Love Board member and event Co-Chair Michael Kors welcomed guests and presented Audra McDonald with the Michael Kors Award for Outstanding Philanthropy, Artistry, and Activism. Michael shared:

“This year we celebrate 40 years of God’s Love We Deliver. Forty years of service, dedication, selflessness and impact. A lot has changed in 40 years, and yet God’s Love’s mission has never wavered.”

Our President & CEO Terrence Meck welcomed guests and introduced our 40th anniversary video featuring the voices and stories of their clients. He spoke of hope in the face of fear, which so many had at the height of the AIDS crisis when God’s Love We Deliver was founded, and which the community of God’s Love We Deliver shares today.

Terrence spoke of love leading our life-affirming mission how love and hope transform lives. Terrence then recognized former client, 14-year-old Mohit Kapoor, and his mother Shalini. Mohit is living with cancer and the entire family received meals during COVID while Mohit was undergoing treatment. Terrence introduced a video sharing Mohit and Shalini’s story, and announced that Mohit is feeling well and remains grateful for his time on the God’s Love We Deliver medically tailored meal program. He shared:

“Your story reminds us all that hope doesn’t just survive — it grows, it expands, and it strengthens when shared with those around us. A hope that began forty years ago with one woman on a bicycle. A hope that today is fueled by love, compassion, and the unshakable belief that food can heal. A hope that every New Yorker who needs us will have access to our meals — not just today, but for the next forty years and beyond.”

During our live auction, conducted by The Fundraising Guy Harry Santa-Olalla, guests bid on program items to support God’s Love.

Attendees were then seated for a dinner inspired by God’s Love We Deliver ingredients included in their meals in partnership with the Nutrition Services Department.

Gigi Hadid presented Anne Hathaway with the Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Philanthropy and Volunteerism.

The evening concluded with a special performance by Ben Platt, who was introduced by Anna Wintour. Ben who brought the house down with “Maybe This Time”, “I Dreamed A Dream”, and “Over The Rainbow”.

Seen at the event were: Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Michael Kors, Anna Wintour, Chloë Sevigny, Ben Platt, Gigi Hadid, Mark Ronson, Grace Gumner, Patina Miller, Erich Bergen, Huma Abedin, the cast of Saturday Church, Michelle Buteau, Lynda Carter, James Corden, Joy Woods, Rosie Perez, Tamron Hall, Zoey Deutch, Hannah Berner, Olivia Jade Giannulli.

The evening raised more than $4 million. In total, the event funded more than 400,000 medically tailored meals for the clients and families of God’s Love We Deliver.

The evening was produced and directed by Erich Bergen. Event design by Raiola/Co.

Since 1985, God’s Love We Deliver has been cooking and home-delivering medically tailored meals to individuals affected by severe and chronic illness. As we look ahead to the next 40 years, we’re proud to expand our footprint with a new distribution center at Liberty BKLYN in Sunset Park. This milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community.

The Liberty BKLYN facility will significantly increase our capacity, allowing us to prepare and deliver more meals than ever before while maintaining the quality, care, and dignity at the heart of our mission.

Fundraising events like the Golden Heart Awards allow God’s Love to continue growing and innovating to provide free, life-saving services to New Yorkers affected by illness.