[NEW YORK, NY] November 6, 2025 — Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, was delighted to attend the White House Historical Association’s biennial Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The elegant evening celebrated 150 years of White House State Dinners and marked the public launch of the Association’s America 250 Campaign, an ambitious initiative aiming to raise $150 million to fund White House history and civics education programs, digital storytelling, student access initiatives, and teacher resources.
Hosted by television journalist and author Al Roker, the gala recognized the extraordinary contributions of filmmaker Ken Burns, who received the inaugural White House History Honors for his leadership in making history accessible and engaging for all generations.
Entertainment for the evening featured world-renowned performers, including Renée Fleming, Michael Feinstein, and Patti LaBelle.
Cassie joined a distinguished group of supporters, donors, and community leaders in honoring the White House Historical Association’s mission to preserve and share the rich history of the Executive Mansion. Founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, the organization continues to provide public access to the White House and cultivate civic education nationwide.
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About Miss America
Miss America is the nation’s premier empowerment platform for young women, with service to community at the core of its impact. Participants pursue personal and professional growth while inspiring others as positive role models. With its mission of Empowering Women to Lead, Miss America is also the largest provider of tuition scholarships for women in the United States, distributed through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization.