Sesame Workshop hosted its 18th annual benefit to celebrate Coming Together, the nonprofit’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and kindness and honor artist and activist John Legend. With special guests Gayle King and Michelle Obama, a poetry reading by Amanda Gorman, and performances by Jon Batiste and Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, along with the Sesame Street Muppets. Families can tune in to a free version of the virtual gala starting Sun., Jun. 6 at 7:30 p.m. through Wed., Jun. 30.
The virtual event, hosted by Gayle King, recognized artist and activist John Legend with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award, named for the nonprofit’s co-founder and presented by Michelle Obama, the 2019 Joan Ganz Cooney Award recipient. Procter & Gamble received this year’s Corporate Leadership Award, accepted by P&G Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard, for its work in fighting bias and inequality.
“To me, the work of kindness, done right, is really the work of justice – and Sesame Workshop has been a leader in spreading kindness,” said Legend in his acceptance speech. “You’ve always been intentional and thoughtful about inclusivity, helping parents and caregivers navigate complicated conversations with their children, telling stories about people who are often invisible, and opening up a world that is broader and richer than the one outside our front doors.”
While the benefit is free to watch, Sesame Workshop invites viewers to make a donation to help the organization continue its important work. Families can RSVP to watch the annual benefit and make donations at SesameWorkshop.org/virtualbenefit.
