A legacy of moral leadership: Appeal of Conscience Foundation’s 60th anniversary gala in New York
The newly renovated Waldorf Astoria radiated with hope and unity as the Appeal of Conscience Foundation celebrated its 60th Annual Gala, bringing together global leaders from faith, business, and civil society in a dazzling affirmation of moral leadership and interfaith cooperation.
The milestone gathering honored two distinguished figures whose work spans continents and communities: His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Both received the prestigious Appeal of Conscience Award, joining a distinguished legacy of recipients such as Michael Bloomberg, Stephen Schwarzman, and Mary Barra.
Cardinal Dolan was recognized for decades of service advancing religious freedom, human dignity, and interfaith dialogue.
“His Eminence practices what he preaches, uplifting all who know him and exuding hope for a brighter future,” said Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.
Cardinal Dolan, in his remarks, urged a global commitment to “seek justice and understanding in a world deeply in need of both.”
Represented by his wife, Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu, Tony Elumelu was celebrated as a visionary of responsible entrepreneurship.
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has committed over $100 million to empower African entrepreneurs, supporting 24,000 start-ups and impacting more than half a million lives.
His message resonated powerfully: “Leadership is about service… and building bridges of hope and prosperity across the globe.”
The evening was guided with distinction by Brian Thomas Moynihan, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of America Corporation, who served as gala chair.
Mr. Moynihan praised the honorees’ embodiment of “enlightened leadership,” underscoring that “progress and conscience go hand in hand.”
Mr. Moynihan’s thoughtful and exemplary leadership also underscored Bank of America’s meaningful partnership with Robert Kraft, founder of the Kraft Group and owner of the New England Patriots, in advancing the fight against antisemitism and social injustice.
Their joint efforts, including a $10 million gift to expand Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, have galvanized a powerful nationwide movement through campaigns such as the Blue Square initiative.
The elegant gala reaffirmed the Foundation’s six-decade mission to promote peace, religious liberty, and the guiding principle of “Respect the Other.”
It united leaders in a resounding call to action—empowering the next generation, rejecting division and hatred, and championing service, dialogue, and dignity for all.
At a time of global challenges and deepening divides, the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Gala stood as a beacon of optimism—proof that leadership rooted in conscience continues to light the way toward a better world.