The 2025 Annual Award Benefit is almost sold out. To inquire, please email development@centerforfiction.org.

6:30pm Cocktails, 7:30pm Dinner; Festive Attire

Join us for a celebration of the power of storytelling as we present this year's Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award, Medal for Editorial Excellence, and First Novel Prize.

This year, we are proud to honor Haruki Murakami with the Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award (introduced by Patti Smith), Kate Medina with the Medal for Editorial Excellence (introduced by Anna Quindlen), and the finalists and winner of the First Novel Prize (introduced by Joseph Earl Thomas). Actor and producer André Holland will join us as the evening's emcee.

Funds raised by the Benefit provide essential support for all of The Center's work, including transformative opportunities for emerging writers, exceptional public programming, and immersive educational experiences for public school students — all fostering a sense of community among diverse readers and writers through the transformational power of fiction. Learn more about our work at centerforfiction.org.

For further information, please write to Melissa Wyse at melissa@centerforfiction.org.