Kelli O'Hara to Host The Stuttering Association for the Young's Annual Chefs' Gala

SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young will host its 16th Annual Chefs' Gala, on Monday, May 21, 2018, to celebrate the courage and achievements of more than 70 million people who stutter - including 5% of all children. The event will recognize individuals who inspire young people who stutter, this year's honorees are 2017 World Series MVP George Springer, (Hero Award), Marcia & Bill Withers will be inducted into the SAY Hall of Fame and Linda D'Alessandro & Jay Badame (President & COO AECOM Tishman) (Budd Mayer Advocacy Award). The evening will be hosted by Tony Award winner and former SAY honoree Kelli O' Hara, with a special presentation by Joe Moglia (Chair of TD Ameritrade Board). The Gala Performance will be directed by SAY Founder & President, Taro Alexander with musical direction by Everett Bradley.

The performance will be followed by an incredible Chefs' Tasting at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, where SAY Board Member and Renowned Chef Marc Vetri will be joined by these top chefs who will prepare gourmet small plates: Jimmy Bradley & David Battin - The Red Cat, Joey Campanaro -The Little Owl, Marco Canora & Luigi Petrocelli - Hearth, Frank Castronovo & Frank Falcinelli - Frankies Spuntino, Drew DiTomo - Amis, Billy Durney - Hometown Bar-B-Que, Mark Hinchliffe - Porta, Mark Ladner - Pasta Flyer, Jim Lahey - Sullivan Street Bakery, Shane Lyons & Drew Nieporent - Distilled, Matt Rudofker - Momofuku, Jared Sippel - Italienne, Chris Stam - DB Bistro, Sue Torres - EDJC Latin Flavors, & Jonathan Waxman - Barbuto.

Special Appearances by Celebrity Friends: James Monroe Iglehart, Betsy Wolfe and more!

This year's Gala Chairs are Evan & Barbara Bell, Still Bill Productions, TD Ameritrade;

Gala Co-Chairs: AECOM Tishman, Bettina & Michael Klein, The Moglia Family Foundation, Fred & Maria Ragucci and Gala Vice-Chairs: A. Ottavino Corp., Columbia, Legacy & Sony Music, Nanette Mayer & Riki Alexander, Silvia Martinez & Charles Helme.

For 16 years, we have helped young people SAY what's in their hearts, SAY what's on their minds, SAY what they want to SAY, SAY the stories they want to tell, SAY the things they want the world to know about them, and SAY the things they want the world to hear. With your support, we will continue to underwrite over $1,000,000 in programmatic costs each year, to ensure that these inspiring and brave young people SAY the things that shouldn't go unsaid.

The Stuttering Association for the Young's

16th Annual Gala Benefit

Monday, May 21, 2018

6:00pm Performance followed by Chefs' Tasting and live auction

Skirball Center for the Performing Arts located at 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South)

Advance reservations required. For reservations & more information please visit SAY.org/Gala.

Kelli O'Hara has unequivocally established herself as one of Broadway's great leading ladies. She won a 2015 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance in The King and I. She has delivered powerful performances on Broadway since 2003, receiving numerous Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, & Outer Critics Circle nominations. Kelli has also received critical acclaim for her performances with the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera; has sold out solo shows at Carnegie Hall & Town Hall; is a frequent guest artist on the PBS Memorial Day and July 4th telecasts; has performed several times as part of the Kennedy Center Honors; and in addition to numerous film and television roles, she has released two solo albums.

The Stuttering Association for the Young is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers, educates, and supports young people who stutter and the world that surrounds them. Through summer camp, speech therapy, and creative expression, SAY builds a community of acceptance where young people who stutter gain confidence and communication skills.

Since 2001, SAY has offered comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. To date, no child has been turned away due to a family's inability to pay. Your support helps SAY continue this important legacy.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos