Call: 718.773.3551 | Fax: 347.420.9736
Call: 718.773.3551 | Fax: 347.420.9736
Join us to build a better future for New York City
Planting Systems, Nourishing Generations
September 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM
The Planter Awards Gala is TCAH's signature annual celebration, honoring individuals and organizations committed to food justice and building a better future for New York City. Now in its 16th year, the gala brings together elected officials, corporate partners, philanthropists, and community leaders for an evening that celebrates progress while rallying support for the work still ahead.
Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent, and solvable, crises facing New York City. Every day, TCAH serves families who are working, raising children, and doing everything right, yet still can't consistently put food on the table. The need is growing. So is our response.
Chris Banks represents the 42nd Council District, covering East New York, Starrett City, Brownsville, Canarsie, Remsen Village, and East Flatbush. A lifelong Brooklyn resident born and raised in East New York, Chris is the son of an immigrant mother from Trinidad and Tobago and a father from Houston, Texas, growing up in an entrepreneurial, labor-focused household rooted in hard work and respect for others.
A dedicated community public servant, Chris began his career at the local Police Athletic League as an education group leader and adolescent coordinator, later running after-school and summer youth programs for the East New York Local Development Corporation, serving hundreds of area youth.
Viewing the community through a grassroots lens, Chris believes in building community-based power through partnership and collaboration, amplifying unheard voices, and championing strong advocacy for the community’s needs.
President and Chief Executive Officer of CABS Health Network
Sherly Demosthenes-Atkinson, MHA, is President and CEO of CABS Health Network, one of New York’s most impactful community-based health organizations. In January 2026, she became CABS’s first female President and CEO, after serving as CEO since 2017 and Executive Director since 2013, bringing over two decades of healthcare leadership experience.
Under her leadership, CABS expanded across New York City and Nassau County, integrating home-based services and patient-centered care for older adults and vulnerable populations. During COVID-19, she led a rapid service expansion and guided the organization’s rebranding into CABS Health Network, strengthening key partnerships.
She also chairs the CABS Community Foundation and two senior housing development fund corporations. A Hofstra University MHA alumna, she serves on Hofstra’s Dean’s Advisory Board. Her honors include the Caribbean American Healthcare Award and City & State’s Responsible 100 Award.
New York Metro Market President, Popular Bank
Kenneth Mitchell oversees operations and business activity for Popular Bank’s New York Metro region. Under his leadership, the team delivers tailored financial solutions that support businesses, consumers, and communities.
Ken joined Popular Bank in 2014 and has held several senior leadership roles. Most recently he served as Head of Commercial Banking for the region, where he focused on deepening client relationships, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the bank’s role as a trusted financial partner for large and midsize companies across many industries.
With nearly four decades of experience in financial services, Ken’s leadership style is rooted in his business acumen and a community-centered approach. He is known for his commitment to helping clients and their businesses grow, supporting local economic development, and advancing Popular Bank’s mission to strengthen and empower the communities it serves.
Chief Financial Officer, EmblemHealth
Heather Tamborino serves as Chief Financial Officer for EmblemHealth. Ms. Tamborino oversees enterprise financial functions, procurement, risk adjustment, and payment integrity.
Heather Tamborino has more than 30 years of experience in finance, strategy, and risk management. She has also held executive positions within the managed care and health insurance industry for over 20 years. Before joining the company, she served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Highmark Inc. and CFO of Gateway Health Plan.
Heather Tamborino holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business.
Jacqueline Towers-Perkins is an international Auctioneer and Founder of Towers & Co, an auctioneer agency and fundraising consultancy delivering white glove service for galas and benefit events globally. Her clients include international royalty from His Majesty King Charles to Jay-Z and Beyonce, and she has shared the stage with leaders of finance, entertainment, tech and politics. Over the years she has auctioneered to thousands of bidders and raised millions for charity. Alongside her independent auctioneer business, she previously held senior positions at top global auction houses including Sotheby’s New York, where she was a lead Auctioneer and Vice President.
Infrastructure Builder Sponsor
Community Nourisher Sponsor
Access Champion Sponsor
Future Planter Sponsor
Future Planter Sponsor
Future Planter Sponsor
At The Campaign Against Hunger, we are planting that future now.
A 2026 Planter Awards sponsorship is more than support for one evening. It is an investment in a stronger, more equitable food system – one capable of nourishing New Yorkers today while building resilience for generations to come.
Planting the systems that nourish generations.
Sponsorship package includes:
Connects to digital food access, Cyber Pantry, Fresh Vibes, hydroponics, logistics technology and adaptive models.
Sponsorship package includes:
Strengthens neighborhood food access, partner distribution, SuperPantry, mobile and Cyber Pantry.
Sponsorship package includes:
 Strengthens neighborhood food access, partner distribution, SuperPantry, mobile and Cyber Pantry.
Sponsorship package includes:
Supports the last mile: mobile distribution, delivery, benefits access and direct community reach.
Sponsorship package includes:
Invests in Green Teens, culinary and workforce pathways, and the next generation of food-system leaders.
Sponsorship package includes:
 This is a general admission ticket to the Planter Awards Gala (1 ticket)
At The Campaign Against Hunger, we are planting that future now. A 2026 Planter Awards sponsorship is more than support for one evening. It is an investment in a stronger, more equitable food system - one capable of nourishing New Yorkers today while building resilience for generations to come.
TCAH serves as a critical support system in response to these gaps, providing more than 17.3 million pounds of food, which translates to an estimated 20.4 million meals, across 775,888 household visits city-wide.
The Benefit Access Office provides support, guidance, and hope to families facing food insecurity and systemic barriers.
Our Super Pantry transforms food distribution into a dignified shopping experience that prioritizes choice, respect, and health.
The Campaign Against Hunger’s Fresh Vibes Market is a mobile distribution unit that provides fresh, affordable produce to the community and provides additional services.
 TCAH’s CyberPantry is an innovative food procurement, and delivery system that allows clients to select their preferred foods online, ensuring they receive the nourishment they need, delivered right to their doorstep.
Our Urban Agricultural Center turns vacant lots into thriving farms while empowering youth to lead on climate resilience. Across four sites and more than three acres, we harvested 24,565 pounds of produce and 1,500 eggs, generating $36,555.73 in farm sales and nourishing thousands of New Yorkers.
TCAH’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) continued to create meaningful opportunities for Black and Brown youth across Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, blending career pathways, mentorship, skill-building, and community connection.Â
The Weekend Healthy Snack Program is a direct response to a gap many unhoused NYC kids face once school doors close on Fridays. Each week, the program provides over 2,600 elementary school students with weekend meals across more than 33 schools citywide.
