The Annual Benefit is Reach the World's biggest event of the year. It brings together the RTW community to connect in person, celebrate an outstanding leader who is pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploration, and raise funds for RTW's programs. The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, award ceremony, and silent auction. 

This year, Reach the World is thrilled to present the 2025 Cronkite Award to award-winning astrophysicist, author and preeminent science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Honoree Bio
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the author of the bestselling books Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996.


Neil is the two-time host of the beloved TV series Cosmos — rebooting the original 1980 series hosted by Carl Sagan. He is also the host and cofounder of the popular Emmy-nominated podcast StarTalk, which combines science, humor, and pop culture. 2025 marks StarTalk’s 16th year.


Dr. Tyson is a recipient of 27 honorary degrees, the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, and the Distinguished Public Service Medal from NASA. Asteroid 13123 Tyson is named in his honor. He lives in New York City. 


This year's Annual Benefit will also include a pre-event networking reception with Cronkite Award honoree Neil deGrasse Tyson in the refined setting of The Players’ library from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

This year's Annual Benefit Silent Auction is open for bidding, and will close at 8:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025. Consider browsing and bidding on our fantastic Silent Auction catalog!

We are excited to share an unforgettable evening with you and your guests! For more information, please call Reach the World at (212) 288-6987 or email rtwinfo@reachtheworld.org.