Barrier Free Living staff, supporters, survivors and honorees gathered at the Museum of the City of New York on October 22, 2026 for an electric evening of music, dancing and empowering words from award honorees and CEO Cynthia Amodeo.

BFL Moments That Inspire: 45 Years of Creative Healing, celebrated the agency’s 45-year commitment to innovative, survivor-centered approaches that empower individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

The crowd boogied to four decades of soul stirring music with Deaf DJ Nico DiMarco and the evening’s energetic host, BFL Director of Communications & Development Scott Hess. The evening concluded with moving and empowering speeches from Cynthia Amodeo as well as the evenings award winners: Joseph Johnson, Paul B. Feuerstein Employee Excellence Award Honoree: Emily Bell, the Theresa A.H. McIntosh Advocate Award Honoree; and the Nelson Mullins team this year’s Jack Fritts Mission Impact Award Honoree.

Scroll down to enjoy the evening’s guest photo gallery, our incredible sponsors, and a glimpse at the evening’s signature Gin Jubilee 45 cocktail by mixologist Zach Cordasci as well as  tempting treats from the amazing Personal Touch catering.

 

Thanks to our 2026 Gala Sponsors!

GOLD

DLA Piper

SILVER

Lettire Construction Corp.

BRONZE

Insperity

JCJ Architecture

Global Vision Technologies 

MMS Group!

Nelson Mullins

Howden Group

Akin

DJ Nico DiMarco spinning at the Gala again this year!

Signature Gin Jubilee 45 Cocktail by mixologist Zach!

The event tote bags

Event graphics by COA Design!