On Monday, October 13th, the “Only Make Believe” GALA took place at the Schubert Theatre in New York City, for a great turnout.
Background on ‘Only Make Believe’
“Only Make Believe” creates interactive theatre experiences directly with children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities. Inspiring joy and imagination, its professional actors engage children with medically fragile conditions and developmental disabilities, fostering vital social and emotional growth.
“Only Make Believe” is dedicated to the principle that engaging a child’s imagination is a crucial part of learning and developing essential life skills.
Its programming empowers children to explore their imagination, engage in critical thinking, and discover the fun-filled experience of expressing emotions through interactive theatre.
Dame Anna Wintour
Dame Anna Wintour, DBE, CH was honored with the prestigious “James Hammerstein Award.” It was hosted by multi-Emmy winner John Oliver, and it featured performances by Tony nominee Camille A. Brown and her dancers, as well as Darren Criss, Josh Groban, Lena Hall, Chris Jackson, Brad Oscar, and Jak Malone.
Dame Anna Wintour is a philanthropist, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director of Vogue. She was Editor in Chief of Vogue for 37 years (prior to stepping down in September of 2025).
Prior to the “Only Make Believe” GALA, several dignitaries and performers took time to answer some questions on the red carpet from the media.
Host John Oliver
On hosting this event, Oliver remarked, “It’s very fun! I’m looking forward to it very much.”
Regarding the importance of this cause, he said, “There is something transformative for kids about having access to something that can rearrange their brains; at its best, theater can be truly transformative!”
“Tonight, I hope that we can be able to increase the funding so that this organization can continue doing what they are doing more. It’s as reductive as that,” Oliver noted.
Pat Kiernan of “NY1’
Pat Kiernan serves as the morning news anchor of “NY1.”
“I am really glad to be here because Only Make Believe brings what happens in a venue like this out to the community,” Kiernan said. “We are so privileged as New Yorkers to be able to be here and take part in events like this. Only Make Believe has a great mission of bringing that to more of the community.”
“It’s important because Broadway is important to New York, as so imagination. If you can bring those things together, it is really a special combination,” he noted.
“I want people to take away the idea that you can always stop and use your imagination and have some fun,” Kiernan acknowledged.
“Our days are filled with work, social media and commuting, and sometimes, it is important to stop and imagine what might happen next,” Kiernan added.
Camille A. Brown
On being a part of this event, Brown said, “It feels amazing to be here! I am so excited to support this organization. My company is performing so that is exciting!”
“This event brings healing, joy and celebration to kids,” she acknowledged.
“I hope people get the love of art tonight,” Brown underscored.
Lena Hall
On being a part of the 2025 “Only Make Believe” GALA, Hall said, “It is wonderful! I am so happy to be here. I need to do this event each year.”
“I think it’s important to bring theater and magic to everyone, especially since there are people that can’t get out to see theatre or to be creative and have fun. I find it to be very important. It lifts spirits and it can be very healing,” Hall elaborated.
Lena Hall plays Jon Hamm’s sister, Ali Copper, in the Apple TV+ series “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
“It was awesome to play Jon Hamm’s sister,” Hall said with a sweet laugh. “I love it so much; it’s so much fun!”
To learn more about “Only Make Believe,” visit its official website.
