When one of New York’s most respected healthcare organizations needed a high-energy, large-scale team-building experience to celebrate their staff and mission, they turned to Secret City Scavenger Hunts.
On a bright summer day in 2025, over 100 members of the Northwell Foundation gathered at the iconic New York Public Library to kick off what they called their “Summerbration” — a lively, collaborative event designed to honor their team’s accomplishments, recharge their collective spirit, and reinforce the power of working together toward a common goal.
What followed was a whirlwind of clues, collaboration, and friendly competition across one of New York’s most legendary landmarks: Grand Central Terminal.
Who Is the Northwell Foundation?
The Northwell Health Foundation is the fundraising arm of Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider. The Foundation plays a critical role in advancing medical research, improving patient care, training future healthcare professionals, and expanding health equity across the region.
They support everything from innovative research at the Feinstein Institutes to funding pediatric care and investing in community health initiatives that reshape lives. Their mission isn’t just about medicine — it’s about people, connection, and progress.
So when the Foundation plans a celebration, it’s not just a party — it’s an extension of that mission.
The Role of Team Building in Their Mission
Healthcare is one of the most collaborative, high-stakes fields in the world. The people behind the Northwell Foundation know this intimately. Their team spans a wide range of specialties and backgrounds — from fundraising experts to operations staff to public health advocates. Events like “Summerbration” aren’t just for fun. They’re a way to reinforce culture, deepen relationships, and keep everyone aligned on purpose.
And that’s where we came in.
The Challenge: A Massive Group, One Seamless Experience
Organizing a high-energy, fast-moving experience for a large group in the middle of Midtown Manhattan is no small feat. But that’s exactly what Secret City specializes in.
To accommodate the size and logistics, we launched the event at the New York Public Library — a perfect open-air meeting spot just blocks from Grand Central. There, we divided the participants into smaller teams, explained the rules, distributed materials, and got them pumped for the challenge ahead.
Once inside Grand Central, the hunt was on.
The Secret City Experience
Northwell Foundation staff navigated the historic terminal solving puzzles, chasing down clues, and completing creative challenges — all while competing for glory and bragging rights. Some highlights:
Solving custom-made riddles tied to the architecture and hidden gems of Grand Central
Engaging with colleagues across departments in surprising and fun ways
Strategically planning their routes and thinking like a team under time pressure
Each moment reinforced the same themes Northwell stands for: collaboration, focus, adaptability, and care.
The Perfect Ending: Lunch at the Yale Club
After an hour of high-energy competition and exploration, the teams regrouped just steps away at the historic Yale Club of New York City, one of Midtown’s most iconic institutions.
There, over a well-earned lunch, the group celebrated their achievements, shared stories from the hunt, and continued the camaraderie that events like these are meant to spark. From the grand halls of Grand Central to the refined dining rooms of the Yale Club — it was a true New York day to remember.
A Shared Mission, A Shared Win
At Secret City, we believe the best team-building experiences don’t just break the ice — they build something lasting. Northwell’s team didn’t just bond; they lived their mission of connection and shared purpose, all while laughing, solving, and sprinting through one of the busiest buildings in the world.
We’re honored to support the Northwell Foundation and proud to have played a role in making their 2025 Summerbration a success. Here’s to more puzzles, more teamwork, and more unforgettable days in the city.
Interested in planning your own large-scale scavenger hunt in NYC?
We specialize in fully hosted events for corporate teams, nonprofits, schools, and private groups — in iconic locations like Grand Central, Central Park, the Met, and more.
Contact us today to start planning your own adventure.
