November 3, 2026
Catholic Guardian Services raised more than $1.1 million — a record for the Child of Peace Awards Celebration — as supporters gathered in New York City to help strengthen services for children, families, and individuals across the five boroughs.
The 41st Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration, held November 2 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, brought together donors, board members, staff, community partners, and friends of Catholic Guardian Services under the theme Forward with Compassion.
The record-setting support will help advance CGS programs in foster care and adoption, children’s mental health, family support, developmental disabilities, services for unaccompanied children, and other critical human services throughout New York City.
Honoring Lives of Compassion and Service
The evening honored Mary Pat and Kevin McCarthy with the 2026 Child of Peace Award, recognizing lives shaped by faith, family, generosity, and service to others.
CGS Board Chair Anne M. Falvey received the Humanitarian Award for her longstanding leadership and commitment to the dignity of the children, families, and individuals Catholic Guardian Services serves.
The evening also recognized young people whose compassion is already making a difference. Talia Tsipras received the Carlo Acutis Youth Compassion Award, while Ella Carlos was honored with the inaugural Rory Kelleher Award for Dedication and Compassion, created in memory of longtime Catholic Guardian Services Board Chair and Director Emeritus Rory Kelleher.
Stories That Bring the Mission to Life
The program placed the people served by Catholic Guardian Services at the center of the evening.
Guests viewed Love Makes a Home, featuring Elaine Paris and her extraordinary commitment to children through foster care, and Compassion Comes Full Circle, featuring Greilyn Guillen and a story that reflects the lasting impact compassionate support can have across generations.
Those stories illustrated what the evening ultimately supported: helping children find safety and belonging, strengthening families before and during times of crisis, supporting people with developmental disabilities to live with dignity and independence, and ensuring New Yorkers can access care and opportunity when they need it most.
An Evening of Generosity
The celebration was emceed by Giselle Delgado, whose own connection to Catholic Guardian Services reflects the opportunities that can grow from sustained support, mentorship, and belief in young people.
Four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, speaker, and charity auctioneer Molly Grantham brought energy to the evening’s live auction and led the Forward with Compassion Paddle Raise, which generated approximately $360,000 in commitments to support the CGS mission. Molly’s work today includes serving as a professional emcee and charity auctioneer for nonprofit organizations across the country.
The program also included an invocation from The Most Reverend Edmund J. Whalen, remarks from Catholic Guardian Services Chief Executive Officer Craig Longley, a musical celebration by Giselle Delgado & Friends, and a closing prayer from CGS Board Member Dr. Monica White.
Moving Forward with Compassion
The success of the 2026 Child of Peace Awards reflects the generosity of individuals, corporate partners, foundations, board members, volunteers, and friends who believe in the Catholic Guardian Services mission.
More than $1.1 million in support represents more than a fundraising milestone. It represents resources that can help protect children, strengthen families, expand access to mental health care, promote independence for people with developmental disabilities, and create pathways toward stability and opportunity.
Catholic Guardian Services is deeply grateful to everyone who made this record-setting evening possible.
Together, we continue moving Forward with Compassion.
Learn More
Watch stories from the evening, learn more about the 2026 honorees, and support the mission of Catholic Guardian Services at catholicguardian.org/childofpeace2026.
About Catholic Guardian Services
Catholic Guardian Services (CGS) is a comprehensive human services organization supporting children and families across the five boroughs of New York City. With roots dating to 1887 and legal incorporation in 1913, CGS provides foster care and adoption services, mental health care through its Family Counseling and Wellness Center and school-based clinics, family support programs including Harmony Hub in the Bronx, an Unaccompanied Children's Program, and residential and community services for people with developmental disabilities. CGS provides these services under the oversight of New York City, New York State and federal agencies, including the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). CGS serves all who need help regardless of faith, race or background. CGS is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and headquartered at 488 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Phone: (212) 371-1000. Donate or learn more at catholicguardian.org.