The Actors Fund has announced that their annual gala has raised over 1.2 million dollars for the entertainment and performing arts community.
More than 500 guests gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis on Monday, April 25, to honor Academy Award-winning actor and producer Michael Douglas, producer and singer/songwriter Emilio and Gloria Estefan, American prima ballerina Cynthia Gregory, NBC Entertainment Chairman and Broadway producer Robert Greenblatt, and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw.
The accomplished group received The Actors Fund's highest award, the Medal of Honor. Among the special guests on hand to present the medal to the honorees were Rosie O'Donnell for the Estefans; Trustee Bebe Neuwirth who introduced Cynthia Gregory; Tina Fey who presented to Robert Greenblatt; Sutton Foster who helped celebrate Casey Nicholaw; and Trustee Annette Bening who closed the evening with the award to Michael Douglas.
Performers included On Your Feet! stars Omar Lopez-Cepero, Ana Villafañe, Andréa Burns and a cast of 20 who opened the evening with a rousing medley from the hit show; Megan Hilty, accompanied by composer/co-lyricist Marc Shaiman, who sang a rendition of "They Just Keep Moving The Line" from the hit show Bombshell (featured in "Smash") in honor of Robert Greenblatt; and from Disney's Aladdin, James Monroe Iglehart, who performed a jazzy version of "Friend Like Me" accompanied by AnnBritt DuChateau to celebrate Casey Nicholaw.
The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone-performers and those behind the scenes-who works in performing arts and entertainment. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
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