Annual Sesame Workshop Benefit Gala

The Annual Sesame Workshop Benefit Gala is hosted by a celebrity, and Elmo.

2005
Hosted by Barbara Walters and Elmo, the June 1 event was held at Cipriani 42nd Street. Honorees included Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan and Stan O’Neal (Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch and Co., Inc.) "for creating educational opportunities around the globe." This was the first corporate honoree.


 * "BARBARA WALTERS AND ELMO TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL SESAME WORKSHOP BENEFIT DINNER HONORING HER MAJESTY QUEEN RANIA AL-ABDULLAH OF JORDAN"

2006
Hosted by Matt Lauer and Elmo. Lillias White performed at the event, with backup from human singers, as well as Hoots the Owl, Oscar the Grouch (Caroll Spinney), Zoey (Fran Brill), Cookie Monster, Elmo (Kevin Clash), Ernie and Bert, Grover, Rosita (Carmen Osbahr), and Kami.

Guests included Michael Bloomberg, Joan Ganz Cooney, Gary Knell.

2007
Hosted by

Honored at the event were Laura Bush, for her work in early literacy and equal opportunities for academic success, and James E. Rohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., "for PNC's 10-year, $100 million investment to improve access and quality of early childhood education to benefit children and communities."


 * "Sesame Workshop Annual Benefit Dinner", Sesame Workshop.

2008
Hosted by Anderson Cooper and Elmo, the gala has held at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 28, 2008. The event honored Richard Parsons (Chairman, Time Warner Inc.) with a Corporate Leadership Award, for his funding of Galli Galli Sim Sim, and Susan and Michael Dell with a Global Leadership Award.

Guests included Nitya Vidyasagar, Grover, Chamki, Soledad O'Brien, Joan Ganz Cooney, and Gary E. Knell.


 * WireImage photos (larger on Zimbio)
 * "Anderson Cooper: Tickle Me, Elmo!", JustJared.com. Photos of the event.