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Stamford, Conn. – March 12, 2026 – Jean Smart and Bellamy Young will co-host the 2026 Americares Airlift Benefit next month in New York City, uniting in support of their longtime colleague and friend Tony Goldwyn as he receives the organization’s distinguished Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award.
Goldwyn — the actor, director, producer and Americares board member— will be recognized for his lifetime of philanthropy at the April 16 benefit at Pier Sixty. The annual event celebrates Americares health programs and raises vital funds to support its work in the United States and around the world. The star-studded evening will also include a special appearance by Television Creator, Producer, Author and CEO of Global Media Company Shondaland Shonda Rhimes who will present the award.
“We are thrilled to have Jean and Bellamy join us as co-hosts as we honor Tony’s extraordinary commitment to service and rally support needed to bring life-changing health care to people in need around the world,” said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. “It is sure to be an unforgettable night.”
Smart is a multi-award-winning actor known for her work across television, film and stage. She has received widespread acclaim for her role as Deborah Vance on the series “Hacks,” where Goldwyn has a recurring role, and for her performances in “Fargo,” “Mare of Easttown” and “Watchmen,” among others. She began her career in theater, where she received nominations for a Drama Desk Award for “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” and for a Tony Award for Best Actress for her starring role on Broadway opposite Nathan Lane in “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” In summer 2025 she returned to Broadway with an acclaimed performance in the one-woman show, “Call Me Izzy.” Smart first gained wide recognition for her starring role on the sitcom “Designing Women” and has appeared in numerous films including, “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Garden State,” “Guinevere” and “Babylon.” A longtime advocate for humanitarian causes, Smart has used her platform to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights, the Alzheimer’s Association and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Tony, first on ‘Designing Women’ and most recently on ‘Hacks,’ and he is one of the kindest and most generous people I know,” said Smart. “I am honored to join the Americares Airlift Benefit and celebrate his philanthropic work.”
Young, an acclaimed actor, advocate and author, is best known for her award-winning role as President Mellie Grant on “Scandal,” where she starred alongside Goldwyn for seven seasons. She is also recognized for her roles in “Prodigal Son,” “Criminal Minds” and “Mission: Impossible III” and is currently starring in “The Other Black Girl” and “Brilliant Minds.” In addition to her work as an actor, Young has championed initiatives that advance women’s empowerment, promote mental health awareness and support communities affected by disaster.
The Americares Airlift Benefit highlights the organization’s health programs for people affected by poverty or disaster and the health workers who make that work possible. The next morning, a group of guests will continue the experience by boarding a flight to see the organization’s work firsthand. This year, guests will board Americares first domestic Airlift to Asheville, N.C, where they will see the impact of Americares response to Hurricane Helene — a devastating storm that caused immense damage to communities across the southeastern United States.
“It’s especially meaningful for me to be part of a benefit that both celebrates Tony and supports the recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said Young, an Asheville native. “The destruction in my hometown was absolutely devastating and has affected so many people I know. I am proud Americares is still there more than a year later supporting storm survivors.”
The benefit will be the second time the “Scandal” co-stars, Goldwyn and Young, reunite to highlight the recovery from Helene. In 2024, Goldwyn and Young participated in a virtual script reading benefitting the United Way of North Carolina’s hurricane relief efforts.
Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health. Since it was established in 1979, Americares has provided over $24 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
For tickets, or more information about the benefit, visit americares.org/airlift2026.
Moffly Media is the exclusive regional magazine sponsor of the 2026 Americares Airlift Benefit. Event produced by STAMP Event Co.