NEW YORK, NY – September 9, 2026 – Four years after its inaugural launch, the annual Dr. Stewart O. Williams Gala has become a beloved tradition that unites community leaders, public figures, and supporters from across the globe. Held September 5 at a New York venue, the 14th iteration of the event closed as an overwhelming success, drawing hundreds of attendees who gathered to honor the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Williams and uplift the core values of community service, generous leadership, and collective giving back.
This year’s gathering brought together a diverse cross-section of guests, from family and longtime friends of Dr. Williams to high-ranking diplomatic representatives from Saint Kitts and Nevis. Among the most notable attendees were Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the United States, and Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, the nation’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Their presence highlighted the deep, enduring connection between Dr. Williams’ work and his home region, alongside other prominent guests including Lewellyn Caines, owner of Nevis’ iconic Sunshine Bar – home to the world-famous Killer Bee cocktail – and Omari Banks, the event’s featured guest artist. Together, the attendance of these regional figures reinforced the strong, cross-community spirit that defined the entire evening.
Aligned with the 2026 gala theme, “Rooted in Service, Grounded in Giving Back,” every segment of the night reinforced the core mission of carrying forward Dr. Williams’ life’s work through intentional, ongoing service to others. Organizers extended special recognition to the gala’s lead patrons: Dr. Irvin Sweeney and Mrs. Vernice “Debbie” Williams, Dr. Stewart O. Williams’ widow, whose years of consistent commitment and personal support have been foundational to preserving and expanding the legacy Dr. Williams built. Additional gratitude went to Dr. Maurice Duggins, Chief Medical Officer of a leading Kansas hospital, whose keynote reflections on the meaning of service and community generosity resonated deeply with attendees, echoing the core values that have anchored the gala since its founding.
From the opening moments of warm fellowship to the closing speeches reaffirming collective commitment to service, the 2026 gala delivered a meaningful, heartfelt tribute to Dr. Williams’ impact. Early feedback from attendees has been uniformly positive, with guests praising the event’s sense of togetherness, its thoughtful celebration of Dr. Williams’ life, and the chance to reaffirm shared dedication to the principles he championed.
Organizers emphasize that the night’s success would not have been possible without the contributions of every attendee, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who gave their time, resources, and energy to the event. “To every person who played a part: Thank you,” the organizing committee shared in a statement. “Your presence and support made the evening both a celebration of the past and a renewed commitment to the work and service ahead.”
As the event wraps up, organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s gathering, noting that Dr. Williams’ legacy continues to thrive through the community of people who live out the values he championed. The 2026 gala also included a popular charity raffle, with results announced as follows: first prize, a seven-day Caribbean cruise, went to Kenny Warner (ticket number 0270); second prize, a weekend stay at a four-star St. Kitts resort, was awarded to Corgena Robertson (ticket 0101); and third prize, a $100 Amazon gift card, went to Jean Thomas-Henry (ticket 1137).
Rooted in Service. Grounded in Giving Back. The journey continues…
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