2025 FREEDOM

AWARDS

Presented by: Hard Rock International & Seminole Gaming

Celebrating the 2025 Freedom Awards: Making a Lasting ImPACT

On Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, we gathered together for a sold-out 2025 Freedom Awards. This year’s theme, Making a Lasting imPACT, highlighted our shared mission of education, collaboration, and action. Together with youth, community members, legislators, service providers, and private-sector partners, we are creating change and safeguarding futures.

Event recap and pictures

HONORING

BEKAH CHARLESTON

HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR AND EXPERT

BIOGRAPHY & INTERVIEW

check out the event journal

DAVID PECKINPAUGH

On behalf of the Maritz Team

PRESIDENT & CEO, MARITZ

BIOGRAPHY & INTERVIEW

THE 2025 FREEDOM AWARDS WERE MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO:

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Hard Rock International & Seminole Gaming

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Stardust

GOLD SPONSORS

AA & AmexGBT • Delta Airlines • Donna and Marvin Schwartz Foundation

SILVER SPONSORS

Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) • Southwest Airlines • MGM Resorts International

BRONZE SPONSORS

Caesars Entertainment

FRIEND SPONSORS

Carlson • Empire CLS • Hilton • Kirkland & Ellis • Maritz • Metropolitan Park • Sidley Austin LLP • Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP

PATRON SPONSORS

Robert and Jacqueline Shapiro • Wynn Resorts

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Attitude New York, Hard Rock International, Hyatt, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Marriott, The Atlantis Bahamas, Total Wine & More, United Airlines

Useful Information:

Contact Us!

  • Prince George Ballroom is located at 15 East 27th Street NY, NY 10016

    Subways:

    • Take the 6 to 28th street and walk one block west

    • Take the N, Q, R,W to 28th street and walk one block east

    • Take the 1 to 28th street and walk 3 blocks east

  • Suggested attire: A suit, dress shirt with slacks, knee-length cocktail dress, or dressy separates—choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

  • We have curated a list of hotels in the area. This is a suggested listed as we don't have room blocks in the area:

    1. The James New York- Nomad - 4 minute walk from Prince George Ballroom

    2. The Evelyn- 1 minute walk from Prince George Ballroom

    3. Park South Hotel-  JDV by Hyatt - 6 minute walk from Prince George Ballroom

    4. Arlo- Nomad - 6 minute walk from Prince George Ballroom

    5. Hotel Park Ave- 7 minute walk from PGB

    6. The Marmara Park Ave- 10 minute walk from PGB 

    7. Sonder Flatiron- 4 minute walk from PGB 

    8. Moxy- Chelsea - 7 min walk from PGB 

    9. Lex Hotel- 7 min walk from PBG 

    10. Freehand Hotel - 9 minute walk from PBG 

    11. Hampton Inn - 10 minute walk from PBG 

    12. Best Western Inn Premier Empire State Hotel - 5 minute walk from PBG

To learn more about the Freedom Awards and sponsorship opportunities, please contact PACT’s Development Department at development@wearepact.org.