The traditional world of high society galas can often feel a bit stiff with hushed conversations and rigid seating charts. However, this spring, the Misty Copeland Foundation is raising the barre. Led by a cohort of young power players including co-chairs Nia Faith, Justice Faith, and Julie Kim, the foundation’s inaugural Spring Benefit is less of a formal ceremony and more of a movement. The mission is to honor the Celebrating Misty campaign, a $1 million fundraising initiative, while proving that philanthropy isn’t just a retirement hobby.
The spark for the Benefit ignited in 2024 during a conversation in downtown Manhattan between Misty and the Faith sisters. "We spoke about what it would look like to create an intergenerational fundraising event to support the Foundation bringing together nextgen philanthropists with leading philanthropists from across New York," Nia Faith tells GU. For Nia, the connection is deeply personal. Having been mentored by Misty since age 12, she saw firsthand how the icon overcame the same racial barriers Nia faced as a young Black ballerina. "It really changed my life being able to have her as a mentor for over a decade now and being able to have this intergenerational exchange with someone who is really a beacon of hope within the dance world," Nia Faith tells GU.
L:R Nia Faith, Misty Copeland and Justice Faith
Beyond her mentorship, Misty’s broader influence on the industry is a central theme of the Benefit. Nia explains that Misty has spent her career breaking down the walls of an extraordinarily exclusive art form that has historically been unkind to people of color. "Misty rising through the ranks to attain the top title at American Ballet Theater and not only doing that in her own right but also ensuring that more young people are able to be supported. She truly is the greatest trailblazer that our generation has ever seen when it comes to the dance world," says Nia. Justice adds that this influence reaches far beyond the stage of Lincoln Center. "It’s demystifying the world of ballet and encouraging people around the world to be inspired by all the beauty that it is and that’s a uniquely Misty Copeland accomplishment," she says.
The funds raised fuel a three pronged approach to social impact, including the BE BOLD program, the signature afterschool ballet program serving children ages 5–12 in under-resourced communities in the Bronx and Harlem. . Justice explains that it is not just about creating the next Misty Copeland, but about using arts as an entry point for leadership and empowerment. "The Foundation has also launched BE BOLDER, a ballet-based wellness program designed for adults ages 50 and older. The program is combating the loneliness epidemic and bringing movement and community to older adults while affirming that dance truly is for everyone" Justice says.
Committee member Maya McHenry, who grew up dancing at Debbie Allen’s school, notes that the cost of dance often becomes prohibitively expensive at higher levels. "There are countless gifted artists who simply don’t have the financial resources to pursue formal training, and this event directly supports opening those doors," McHenry tells GU. She views Misty as a champion who is evolving the art form to be more inclusive. "She’s expanding who gets to be seen, who gets to participate, and who feels a sense of belonging in this space.”
The committee is intentional about making sure young people aren't just in the room, but are leading the conversation. This effort includes a reduced ticket price for those under 35 using the code MCF35. "For her inaugural Spring Benefit, we wanted to create something truly intergenerational. From the beginning, we've been committed to ensuring young people are not only in the room, but that the evening itself is designed with them in mind," says Nia.
For committee members and GU co-founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis, the Benefit is a vital moment for representation. "The role of visibility is so important for the next generation to see themselves represented in spaces they dream of," says Rechelle. Her sister agrees, noting that the arts are often underfunded. "As a young person, I believe events like this are one of the most effective entry points for engaging Gen Z in philanthropy," Sophia shares. Social impact expert Darriel Sanders adds that building events that invite the next generation allows the work to feel personal. "Misty Copeland's influence transcends what we've known to be true about traditional ballet. Her advocacy has also been imperative for people to understand the importance of art education being accessible and not treated as just a luxury," Darriel Sanders tells GU.
With a powerhouse lineup of honorary co-chairs including Debbie Allen and Tracee Ellis Ross, the Benefit marks a new chapter for the legendary ballerina. "The arts don't belong to institutions, they belong to the people who show up for them," says Sophia.
To be part of this movement and support the future of the arts, grab your ticket online at the Misty Copeland Foundation and remember to use code MCF35 for 50% off if you are under 35. Justice echoes the importance of this shift in energy, noting that the night will ultimately be a celebration. "We really want to bring a freshness and a newness to the scene, which is why we're super excited for this to be a party for everyone to come together in support of the cause," Justice Faith tells GU.
Supporting this vision is a dedicated community of donors. The Misty Copeland Foundation gratefully acknowledges the leadership support of its Diamond Sponsors, The Arnhold Family, Sarah Arison, Valentino Carlotti, and Clara Wu Tsai and the New York Liberty and its Platinum Sponsors, Nyssa and Chris Lee and Ann and Weston Hicks, whose generosity helps sustain and expand programs that bring the joy and power of dance to children and adults in the Bronx and Harlem.