The Ashford Foundation

The Ashford Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala

Sunday, November 15, 2026
Reserve seating →
Our mission

Why we gather

Fifty years of quiet leadership in global health. A black-tie evening to honor our founding chair, name our main hall in her honor, and announce the endowed research chair that will carry this work into the next fifty. Silent + live auction of donated artwork.

Honored this year

Honorees

Founding Chair
Dr. Eleanor Ashford
Fifty years of quiet leadership. This year the foundation names its main hall in her honor.
Legacy Honoree
The Vanderberg Family
Three generations of stewardship, from the first fellowship in 1974 to the endowed chair we announce tonight.
Visionary Award
Marcus Thornhill
Two decades on the investment committee, a signature move that grew the endowment fivefold.
Program

Program of the evening

6:30 PM
Doors
Arrival + welcome
·
Program
Main event
·
Reception
Food, drinks, dancing
Table sponsorship

Tables + seats

Individual seats and full table sponsorships are available. Table hosts get 10 seats, mission acknowledgment during the program, and first pick of the wine list.

Silent + live

Auction

The evening includes a silent auction (open from 6pm) and a live auction after dinner. Bidding by paddle only. Items on the auction table by 5pm the day of.

Made possible by

Our partners

Attire

Dress code

Black-tie optional. The bar of the evening: put on the thing that makes you feel most like you.

Where
The Grand Ballroom, Waldorf Astoria
301 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022
Get directions →
Honored this year

Honorees

Founding Chair
Dr. Eleanor Ashford
Fifty years of quiet leadership. This year the foundation names its main hall in her honor.
Legacy Honoree
The Vanderberg Family
Three generations of stewardship, from the first fellowship in 1974 to the endowed chair we announce tonight.
Visionary Award
Marcus Thornhill
Two decades on the investment committee, a signature move that grew the endowment fivefold.