Fall Ball 2026

Fall Ball 2026: An Evening to Advance Health Equity for Children
The annual Fall Ball is Council 1869's signature fundraising event, bringing together our community to support bold, life-changing investments for children and families on Long Island. In 2026, proceeds from the Fall Ball will fund an expanded grant to the NYU Langone Health Pediatric Center in Hempstead, advancing three strategic priorities that strengthen care delivery, support families, and improve outcomes for children from birth through early childhood.

 
Why This Matters
The NYU Langone Health Pediatric Center in Hempstead delivers comprehensive, high-quality pediatric care regardless of a family's ability to pay. Services include primary care, developmental screenings, behavioral health support, therapy coordination, and care for children with complex medical and developmental needs-all within a welcoming, family-centered environment.

More than a doctor's office, the Pediatric Center functions as a community anchor, helping families navigate complex health systems, access critical resources, and remain engaged in care. At a time when pediatric providers and coordinated services are increasingly scarce in under-resourced communities, the Center represents a scalable model for equitable, high-quality pediatric care.

 
Council 1869's Commitment
Council 1869 has selected the NYU Langone Health Pediatric Center in Hempstead as a major grant recipient because it aligns closely with our mission to invest in early, preventive, and holistic approaches that improve child health and strengthen families.

Funds raised at the Fall Ball will advance three core funding priorities:

1. Care Coordination: A Trusted Guide for Medically and Developmentally Complex Children
Strengthening RN-led care coordination to ensure children with complex medical and developmental needs-including autism and other developmental delays-receive timely, coordinated care across providers, therapies, schools, and community systems, reducing gaps in care and preventable hospitalizations.

2. Family Support Services: Strengthening Families Beyond the Exam Room
Expanding family navigation and support services that address social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, and access to benefits-ensuring families can follow care plans, remain engaged in care, and focus on their child's health and development.

3. Infant Care Package: A Strong Start in the First Year of Life
Providing infants with essential supplies-including diapers, wipes, formula, and age-appropriate nutrition-distributed at well-child visits to ease financial strain, promote preventive care, and support healthy growth during a critical developmental period.

 
Lasting Impact
By directing all proceeds from the Fall Ball to these priorities, Council 1869 is not simply funding programs-it is investing in a coordinated system of care that reduces health disparities, strengthens families, and ensures children have what they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Together, these investments help build a stronger foundation for children and families while advancing the vision of the leading ambulatory pediatric center in New York, rooted in equity, excellence, and long-term impact.

Council 1869, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN:88-4248510). Contributions are tax deductible under applicable laws.