$32 million gala honors Bank of America’s Brian Moynihan

Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan was honored last night at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The occasion was the inaugural benefit gala for Robert Kraft’s Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, and the Waldorf’s ballroom was lit blue for him and the cause.

More than 800 guests filled the sold-out room.

Together they raised more than $32 million to fight antisemitism and discrimination, the largest amount the organization has ever raised in a single night.

That level of support reflected how much many leaders respect the man at the center of the evening.

Moynihan was recognized for his steady, principled support of Blue Square’s work.

This year he also became chair of the organization’s first advisory board, where he serves alongside leaders from business, media, diplomacy, and law.

He has been clear about why he took on the role: “Antisemitism and other forms of hate must be called out and addressed.”

Moynihan spent years as one of America’s most respected and admired business leaders, and his decision to put his name and influence behind this mission sends a strong message about the leadership the moment needs.

The program matched the night’s importance. CNN commentator Van Jones opened the evening.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a fellow advisory board member, spoke in a video message about her own experiences confronting racism and hate.

Kraft, the New England Patriots owner who founded the organization, took the stage with Tom Brady and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York.

The guest list brought together business, media, and the Jewish community, with Jon Bon Jovi and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch among the attendees.

Many came to celebrate an exceptional leader who turned conviction into action and whose example helped make Blue Square’s first gala a record-setting success.