Salvadori Center’s 2026 benefit raises over $650,000 to expand STEAM education across NYC and Pennsylvania

Manhattan, NY The Salvadori Center hosted its 2026 Annual Benefit at the Edison Ballroom, bringing together supporters, educators, and industry leaders for an evening celebrating and advancing innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. The event raised over $650,000 to support Salvadori’s hands-on, project-based programs serving more than 12,000 PreK–12 students annually across New York City and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The evening honored three distinguished leaders whose work reflects a strong commitment to the built environment and community impact. 

Jonathan Resnick, president of Jack Resnick & Sons, was recognized as the 2026 Business Honoree. During his presentation of the 2026 Business Honoree award, Charlie Avolio, Development Committee Chair, said, “After joining Jack Resnick & Sons in 1996, Jonathan Resnick now leads his family-owned real estate firm which owns and operates over 5 million s/f of commercial space and approximately 900 luxury rental apartments. Throughout his career, Jonathan has committed time and effort to many industry-related and philanthropic boards. He first joined the Salvadori Board in 2008, courtesy of Robert Selsam, and his many years of service have helped guide Salvadori’s mission and impact.”

In accepting his award, Resnick said, “This is one of the more meaningful award acceptances in my 30-year career given my deep roots with Salvadori and the fond memories of serving with so many talented and committed professionals on the Board. Salvadori continues to reach new heights, as evidenced by the great programs they provide today and the deep immersion the organization has achieved throughout New York City’s public schools and beyond.” 

Angelica Baccon, principal at SHoP Architects, was honored as the 2026 Design Honoree. Baccon leads large-scale, design-driven projects globally, with a portfolio spanning complex mixed-use developments, workplace environments, and master planning initiatives. Her work includes landmark projects such as the Uber Headquarters in San Francisco, Atlassian’s workplace in Sydney, and Pier 17 in New York City. In her remarks she stated, “So, here’s the question I’ll leave you with: When was the last time you were truly surprised? And what might we build if we allowed that surprise to become our foundation? That’s why the work of the Salvadori Center matters so much. Because it doesn’t just teach future generations how to build… it helps them build a solid foundation in which their imaginations can grow.”

Miriam Harris, senior vice president of Transit-Oriented Development at MTA Construction & Development, was recognized as the 2026 Public Service Honoree. Harris leads initiatives that advance housing and commercial development near transit hubs, helping to create more connected and accessible communities across New York City. In her remarks she said, “Mario Salvadori understood something simple but powerful: when you give young people the tools to observe, to question, and to build, you give them the confidence to shape their own futures. As someone who has spent my career working to build communities—literally and figuratively — I can tell you that this is the foundation on which great cities stand.”

The benefit featured a cocktail reception and brought together more than 100 sponsors and partners. Presenting Sponsors included Jack Resnick & Sons, with Leadership Sponsors including Brookfield, Consigli, Halmar International, Perkins Eastman, Pinley Mechanical, Skanska, STO Building Group/Structure Tone, and Turner.

Proceeds from the event will directly support Salvadori’s mission to expand access to high-quality STEAM education for students in underserved communities.