WNET Raises 2.75 Million Dollars at its 21st Annual Gala Salute

The New York public media company surpassed its 2.5 million dollar fundraising goal in an evening devoted to celebrating the power of public television to benefit local and global communities

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Jun 11, 2015, 09:19 ET

NEW YORK, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WNET, parent company of New York's public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV raised 2.75 million dollars at its 21st Annual Gala Salute, which took place on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Cipriani 42^nd Street ® in New York City.

WNET honored visionary architect David Adjaye; Chairman of the MCJ Amelior Foundation Ray Chambers, who is the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Financing the Health Millennium Development Goals and for Malaria; philanthropic corporation Johnson & Johnson; supporter of the arts and longtime WNET trustee Ann Tenenbaum; and award-winning actor and advocate Alfre Woodard. The evening was hosted by PBS NewsHour Weekend anchor and SciTech Now host Hari Sreenivasan and NYC-ARTS co-anchor and veteran television journalist Paula Zahn. Guests also enjoyed a performance by the indie rock band A Silent Film.

David Adjaye, Ray Chambers, Johnson & Johnson, Ann Tenenbaum and Alfre Woodard were recognized as a result of their dedication to social responsibility and civic engagement.

"It's only through the generosity of, and collaboration with, community leaders, organizations and supporters of our mission that we're able to continue to create innovative programming and offer those vital educational services that make such a difference in the lives of viewers in New York and beyond," said Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of WNET.

About WNET
As New York's flagship public media provider and the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms, including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can stream PBS content for free.