Thomas Kail & Everett Bradly to Be Honored by SAY

The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY.org) will host its 17th Annual Benefit Gala, honoring long-time SAY supporter and Tony Award-winning director Thomas Kail with the Budd Mayer Advocacy Award, and inducting SAY's Musical Director Everett Bradly into the SAY Hall of Fame. Hosted by Broadway's Tony-Award-winning, past SAY Honoree Kelli O'Hara, the benefit gala will take place on Monday, May 13th, 2019 at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place), followed by a Chef's Tasting Event at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.

The benefit performance will feature appearances by Wayne Brady, Victor Garber, James Monroe Iglehart, Christopher Jackson, Javier Munoz, James Naughton, Krysta Rodriguez, Fisher Stevens and many more who will share the stage with the children of SAY. The evening will conclude with an exclusive Chef's Tasting event featuring more than a dozen celebrated chef's invited by Marc Vetri (SAY Board member), including Matt Buehler, Joey Campanaro, Marco Canora, Richard Capizzi, Gabriel Hamilton, Brooks Headley, Adam Leonti, Melissa Rodriguez, Mark Rosati, Michael Symon, Bill Telepan, and Jonathan Waxman

Tony and Emmy award-winning director, Thomas Kail has been a dedicated advocate for the young people of SAY since 2013. He's generously donated his time and his heart in so many ways, including serving as a mentor for SAY's Confident Voices One-Act program, working with youth participants to help bring their visions and voices to life. In addition to his amazing work with the kids of SAY, he's also spoken out publicly on behalf of young people who stutter, introduced SAY to new friends and supporters, served on SAY's Benefit Committees, and has supported the organization in every sense of the word. He's been a true game-changer for SAY, and for young people who stutter.

"The work that goes on at SAY demonstrates the true power of theater. It creates the safest possible space for its members and allows them all they need to express themselves. I have learned incredible and essential lessons in my time with them. I am moved, and humbled, to be recognized in this way." - Thomas Kail

In 2001, when Taro Alexander first had the idea to start an organization for young people who stutter, the very first person he shared the idea with was Everett Bradley. Everett loved the idea and pledged to be the Musical Director for the organization and 18 years later, Everett continues to move mountains and make himself available to inspire, create, and fill SAY's world with music, harmony, and love. No matter where the world takes Everett on tour, he comes back to support the young people of SAY, year in and year out. Everett truly is the heart and soul of SAY!

"When I found out that I was receiving the Hall of Fame award, I was completely caught off guard! After spending almost 18 years passionately doing the work that is necessary for SAY, it never occurred to me that my journey could ever be considered. Now as I revel in this recognition, I'm honored and grateful to proudly represent an organization that does the important work that these young people so desperately need. My world is brighter, and my heart is hopeful!" - Everett Bradley

The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY.org) is a non-profit organization that offers innovative programs that address the physical, social and emotional impacts of stuttering, including Camp SAY; Confident Voices after-school & weekend programs; Speech Therapy, and support groups. To learn more about this star-studded, event, and obtain tickets, please visit: SAY.org/Gala

This year's event Gala Chairs are Fred & Maria Ragucci, & TD Ameritrade; Gala Co-Chairs are Bettina & Michael Klein, & The Moglia Family Foundation and Gala Vice-Chairs are AECOM Tishman, Guggenheim Partners, & Marcia & Bill Withers.

For tickets and more information, please visit: SAY.org/Gala, or call (212) 414-9696 or email gala@say.org

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos