2025 - Annual Report

2025 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

Mission

3

Letter From our Board Co-Presidents

4

Letter From our CEO

5

Letter From our CPO

6

Our Reach

7

Research: The Power of Play

10

Our Impact

11

Our Community

13

Our Acting Company

17

Our Program

19

Financials

21

Volunteer Program

23

Corporate Partnerships Program

27

Events

32

Funders / Our Team

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

OUR MISSION Only Make Believe (OMB) creates interactive theatre with children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities. Inspiring joy and imagination, our professional actors engage children with medically fragile conditions and developmental disabilities, fostering social and emotional growth.

OMB is dedicated to the principle that engaging a child’s imagination is a vital part of learning and developing life skills. Our programming empowers children to explore their imagination, engage in critical thinking, and discover the fun-filled experience of expressing emotions through interactive theatre.

TRANSPARENCY Only Make Believe has been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar consistently for more than 5 years. The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.

On Charity Navigator, Only Make Believe receives a four-star rating, which means the organization is a highly-effective charity and exceeds best practices and industry standards across almost all areas.

Since 2017, Only Make Believe has been recognized as “one of the best and most critical nonprofits” to support in the Washington, D.C. metro area by Spur Local (formerly Catalogue for Philanthropy).

1

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

2

A LETTER FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS OF OUR BOARD Our annual Gala was a tremendous success, and we remain deeply grateful for the incredible support of our honorees, Adam Meshel and Anna Wintour. Furthermore, receiving over $400,000 in grants from private, state, and federal organizations this year is a powerful testament to how our work is being recognized by a broad spectrum of constituents as an essential part of children’s healthcare.

Dear Friends, On behalf of the entire Only Make Believe family, thank you for your unwavering support as we celebrate another year of bringing interactive theatre magic to children in need.

We know the power of imagination and a little theatre magic, and it is your steadfast partnership that allows us to carry out this vital mission.

Looking back at the past year, we have much to celebrate. We are thrilled to share that we have officially returned to our pre-pandemic service levels, reaching more children than ever before. Even more remarkably, we achieved this milestone while bringing the per-child cost of our performances lower than our pre-COVID operations, ensuring your generosity has the greatest possible impact.

As we look toward the coming year, our comprehensive strategic plan remains never far from our sights, reminding us of the endless potential we harbor. We are actively expanding our Board to incorporate more diverse perspectives that reflect the communities we serve, ensuring our core value of inclusiveness remains at the heart of our leadership. We are also developing a robust marketing strategy to broaden our horizons and introduce our mission to a wider audience. Finally, we are focused on establishing our thought leadership so that Only Make Believe is recognized by peer organizations as a leader in the field of therapeutic play.

Thank you for recognizing your powerful impact on children navigating medically fragile conditions and enduring difficult treatments. With your continued help, we will stay true to our mission of sharing the power of play with as many families as possible.

We believe in make believe,

Sally + Waseem

Sally and Waseem

3

A LETTER FROM OUR

CEO

-we’ve witnessed children with serious medical conditions rediscover the joy of being kids and children with developmental disabilities achieve meaningful social and emotional growth.

Watching an Only Make Believe performance always takes me back to the first time I heard “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: “Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination. Reach out, touch what was once just in your imagination.” When our actors perform with children—not just for them—they invite each child into a world where imagination empowers expression, confidence, and connection.

October 13, 2025 marked the culmination of an extraordinary year-long celebration of Only Make Believe’s 25th Anniversary. Over the past year, our number of children served increased by 22%, we hosted the most successful gala in the organization’s history, and we implemented a new leadership structure designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Only Make Believe.

It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Director since 2018. My journey with Only Make Believe began in 2008 as an actor, and this mission has been deeply fulfilling both personally and professionally. With the new leadership structure, I was appointed Chief Executive Officer, alongside my colleague of 14 years, Christopher Wilson, now Chief Programs Officer. Our mutual love for this organization is the foundation of our shared commitment to build the infrastructure and programming that will ensure Only Make Believe always exists for the children who need it most.

Since 1999, Only Make Believe has championed the belief that imagination is essential to a child’s development. Through the Power of Play -

In 2026, we will expand in-person programming to Philadelphia and continue developing a strategic plan to reach additional cities.

Our virtual programming now reaches 13 cities nationwide. With the support of a Digital Accelerator Program grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are building a state-of-theart digital studio in our Washington, D.C. office, launching in April 2026 to significantly expand our national reach.

None of this would be possible without our partner facilities, Boards of Directors, Acting Company and staff, corporate partners, funders, volunteers, and supporters. We are deeply grateful, and we extend our enduring thanks to Dena Hammerstein, whose vision and leadership built Only Make Believe. As we build on her legacy, we are excited to carry the Power of Play forward into our next 25 years.

Tamela

4

A LETTER FROM OUR

CPO

That intentionality extended to how we codified our work. We spent real time this year examining what makes an Only Make Believe program distinctly ours - the specific practices, the methodology, the values embedded in how we pivot in real time when a child needs something different than what we planned. That work of codification isn't glamorous, but it's foundational.

It's how we ensure that what we've learned over 25 + years travels with us as we grow.

If I'm being honest, the metric I'm proudest of this year isn't a number - though the numbers are inspiring. We grew our show count by 20% over the previous year. That matters. But what matters more is how we got there, and what that growth made possible.

My vantage point as Chief Programs Officer is almost always from the “back of the room” - a hospital playroom, a school gym, a classroom where the fluorescent lights hum a little too loud.

From there, I've watched something shift in our work this year. Not just in volume, but in intentionality.

For years, our actors have brought extraordinary skill and heart into some of the most complex spaces imaginable. What we did differently this year was invest more deliberately in what they need to do that work at the highest level. We deepened our professional development infrastructure, creating more structured opportunities for our ensemble to grow - not just as performers, but as practitioners. We asked harder questions about what it means to show up prepared for a child in a moment of vulnerability, and we built programming to match those answers.

And grow we have - not just in our own programming, but in our reach as a field leader.

This year we began sharing our methodology more formally, offering professional development opportunities to university programs and peer organizations. The truth is, even as we codify our work and step into this role, we are still learning. There is a kind of vulnerability in being able to say: here is what we know, here is how we are still growing, and here is how our collective experience might help the children you serve too. It's a responsibility we don't take lightly.

When I look ahead, I feel the particular kind of clarity that comes from knowing you've done the slow, unglamorous work of getting your own house in order. Our programming is stronger because we were willing to examine it. Our actors are more prepared because we invested in them. And our shows - each one a singular collaboration between our acting ensemble and the child in front of them - are reaching more children than ever before.

That is what your support makes possible. Not just performances, but practitioners. Not just programs, but a field that is better for having OMB as a part of it.

Chris Chris

5

OUR REACH 2025

Only Make Believe reached new heights, expanding to 80 partner hospitals and schools while increasing our total performance numbers by 20% over the previous year. This growth represents our deepest commitment yet to bringing the magic of theatre directly to the children who need it most.

In Person Shows

Virtual

200

147

150 111 100

4,300

Children Served

120 102

100

16

80

80 136

100

50 74

113 88 74

14

90

15

60

86

40

63

73

78

Q2

Q3

99

20 0

44

Q1

Q2

Q3

0

Q4

Q1

Q4

2024 Show Numbers

2025 Show Numbers

Partner Hospitals

34

Partner Schools

440

Interactive Shows

32

Actors Employed

Expansion 5.5%

Expansion 8%

DC 28%

DC 31% NYC 61.1%

PARTNERS BY REGION

NYC 66.6% CENSUS BY REGION

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RESEARCH SHOWS WHY THIS MATTERS Only Make Believe believes in the Power of Play. Our programs bring interactive theatre to children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities. Through these programs, children are given the opportunity to feel empowered, go beyond their current circumstances, 1 and immerse themselves in a world of imaginative play.

THE BENEFITS OF PLAY

THE POWER THE POWER OF PLAY OF PLAY

The advantages of play are vast, and they significantly influence a child's conduct and interpersonal connections.

Engaging in collaborative play enables children to acquire skills in sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Moreover, play fosters the development of empathy and understanding towards others. It bolsters children's selfassurance and self-respect. When children are encouraged to participate in play, it cultivates a positive self-perception, which in turn favorably affects their conduct and relationships.

Cultural shifts, including less parent engagement because of parents working fulltime, fewer safe places to play, and more digital distractions, have limited the opportunities for children to play. These factors may negatively affect school readiness, children’s healthy adjustment, and the development of important executive functioning skills. 1

A national survey involving 8,950 preschool children and their parents revealed that only 51% of children go outside to walk or play with a parent daily. This low percentage is partly due to safety concerns, as 94% of parents worry about the safety of outdoor play. Additionally, access to parks is limited, with only 20% of 2 homes being within a half-mile of a park.

1 The Power of Play - American Academy of Pediatrics - 2025 2 Hofferth SL, Sandberg JF. Changes in American children’s time, Adv Life Course Res. 2011;6:193–229

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A PEDIATRIC PERSPECTIVE An October 2020 article by the Starlight Chidren’s Foundation entitled "The Impact of Children’s Play in Hospital" by Dr. Sandy Gulyurtlu, Dr. Naomi Jacobs, and Imogen Evans, explores the significant benefits of play for children undergoing hospital treatment. ​The research highlights that play is a valuable resource, positively impacting the wellbeing of children and young people through serious illness and hospital treatment. Play helps children have a more positive hospital experience, reduces anxiety, fear, and stress, and can even alleviate pain associated with hospital treatment.

Health play specialists empower children to learn about their ill health and help them to understand the interventions that are required during their time in hospital. ​Play intervention can reduce feelings of anxiety and help children to feel happy whilst being in hospital.

-Penelope Hart-Spencer, Chair of the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS)

The article also emphasizes the role of health play specialists in delivering effective play interventions, which support not only the child but also their wider family, creating a more positive hospital experience. ​ The research also notes the impact of Covid-19 on children's access to play in hospitals, highlighting increased isolation and the removal of toys due to infection risks.

READ FULL ARTICLE

HOW ONLY MAKE BELIEVE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Only Make Believe is making a difference in the lives of children by providing them with opportunities to play. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to children of all abilities. We create a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves and be creative. Only Make Believe is committed to making a difference in the lives of children by providing them with the opportunity to play, and by giving them the chance to just be kids.

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ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

9

OUR IMPACT 2025

Only Make Believe measures social and emotional behaviors to see what effect our performances have as an intervention.

Behavior Findings

We observed clear positive change in the following areas after a five (5) week series of OMB performances with a cohort of twenty one (21) participating partner facilities.

33%

56%

Social Engagement

37%

56%

SelfExpression

How much do the children in your facility look forward to Only Make Believe?

41%

48%

36%

50%

Making Eye Contact

Completing Tasks

33%

37%

52% Focusing

52%

High Positive Change Positive Change No Change Negative Change High Negative Change

Non-Aggressive Behavior

Which best describes how your facility views the Only Make Believe program?

Some 14.8%

Crucial 22.2%

Very Much 85.2%

Valuable 77.8%

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KIDS

MEET OUR COMMUNITY

You're the play people! I remember you! I saw you when I was little! You guys are amazing. You gave us a lot of fun.

- Participant, Inpatient Psychiatry and Behavioral Services CPU, Children's National Medical Center

Sit down, Mommy and Daddy. v Make Believe!

We’re watching - Participant, P.S. 347

Finally! Only Make Believe is back after so long!

These are like Broadway shows! v - Participant, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital (Binder Autism Center)

PARENTS Using the imagination in different ways is a life skill. People often think imaginary things are just frivolous or that's just kid stuff, but that's how we interpret and interact with the world. Being involved in a performance like Only Make Believe, it makes a big difference.

- Dan Fitzgerald, Parent

You all at Only Make Believe [have] been truly a godsend. To still have a space to come and play with you all virtually I think has been really helpful.

- Yetta Myrick, Parent/Founder, DC Autism Parents 11

HOSPITALS The way the patients lit up, got out of their chairs, sang and danced along I know will be something they talk about for months and years to come. This was nothing short of an incredible time for our patients to take a moment and simply enjoy being a child and not have to worry about medical interactions, their injuries, or illnesses.

- Kylie Sprague, Certified Child Life Specialist, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Only Make Believe transports our patients to incredible places and makes them use their imaginations. It's so nice to see our patients smile while on their road to recovery.

- Elizabeth Sivco, Studio Production Manager, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

The actors pivoted so seamlessly to meet the development needs for everyone. The storyline was creative and entertaining, not only for the patients but also for their caregivers and hospital staff. Thank you so much for bringing smiles to our patients - Marsha Moriah, Child Life Specialist, Jacobi Medical Center

SCHOOLS

I saw students eager to participate. I saw students who have difficulty focusing, more focused. One student's participation really blew me away. He could not keep his eyes off the performers. As always, we cannot thank OMB enough for the joy you bring to our students.

- Patricia Holzman, Technology Coordinator/Demonstration Teacher, A. Harry Moore School (Rainbow Extension) 12

NEW YORK CITY RESIDENT COMPANY

ALEX ACOSTA

SORA BAEK

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

JULIA FEINBERG

JACQ GREGG

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

DAN DOMINGUES

JEANETTE BONNER

BROOKE M. HANEY NEW YORK

The

IAN EATON

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

SHUBHANGI KUCHIBHOTLA TOMMY MONTGOMERY

Only

NEW YORK

Make

Believe

NEW YORK

company

fosters

curiosity and empowers the children we serve. I have seen firsthand how OMB takes interactive theatre to a new level by making the audience the main character. While performing at A. Harry Moore in Jersey City, I met a child who was initially nervous to participate. We taught them about using their imagination through Imagination Unlocked and, the following week, we arrived at the school again. In Rick Spacey I begin the show by saying “I’ve lost my key!”.

Immediately, this child who had been so nervous just a week prior, reached under their chair for an imaginary key and said “here you go!” That is the power of Only Make Believe working its magic in real time.

TOMMY MONTGOMERY NYC COMPANY MEMBER (2025 - PRESENT)

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NEW YORK CITY RESIDENT COMPANY

RYAN PATER

NEW YORK

MARIA PEYRAMAURE NEW YORK

MEAGAN KIMBERLY SMITH NEW YORK

DIEGO PRIETO NEW YORK

JOHN STILLWAGGON NEW YORK

VANESA RENDÓN NEW YORK

CASTERLINE VILLAR NEW YORK

REZA SALAZAR NEW YORK

CHANNIE WAITES NEW YORK

The work that we do at Only Make Believe goes beyond offering theatre in spaces that may lack access to it. It's the active pursuit of grounding and engaging young minds in the present moment, allowing them to develop socially, educationally, and artistically. Every engagement allows us as artists to come face to face with the most resilient humans in our world—those who know all too well what it means to fight, go against the grain, and truly believe that their futures will be filled with light. Working with Only Make Believe—offering these great joys to these populations—is a gift, an honor, and the greatest responsibility.

CASTERLINE VILLAR NYC COMPANY MEMBER (2023 - PRESENT)

14

WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT COMPANY

AMBER PATRICE COLEMAN WASHINGTON, D.C.

RAVEN LORRAINE WASHINGTON, D.C.

MEGAN GRAVES

WASHINGTON, D.C.

JIMMY MAVRIKES

LAURA C. HARRIS WASHINGTON, D.C.

ASHLEY D. NGUYEN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

SAM SLOTTOW

HARRISON SMITH

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

IRENE HAMILTON WASHINGTON, D.C.

RYAN SELLERS WASHINGTON, D.C.

JULIA KLAVANS WASHINGTON, D.C.

TIA SHEARER

WASHINGTON, D.C.

JOHN SYGAR WASHINGTON, D.C.

During my first year as an OMB actor, I performed for one of our DCPS partners and returned the following week for another show.

A student recognized me from the earlier performance and excitedly called out my name. In that moment, I realized the real impact of our work and how deeply it resonates with these students. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference.

JIMMY MAVRIKES

D.C. COMPANY MEMBER (2023 - PRESENT)

15

WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT COMPANY I am a company member at Only Make Believe because the children this company reaches need this art as much and more than any audience nationwide, even worldwide. Performance art and theater is largely made in spaces with limited access and with limited availability, particularly for those who are neurodivergent or medically fragile. OMB ensures that this art form is for everyone, not just those can make it to the theater, and can not just be accessible to, but adapted especially for students and children who don't just need theater as a form of escapism, but as a form of inclusion, understanding, education, and a light in sometimes dark places.

RYAN SELLERS

D.C. COMPANY MEMBER (2023 - PRESENT)

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2025 PROGRAM 01

IN-PERSON PROGRAM

Our professional actors set up a backdrop, trunk, and a few props the rest is up to the imagination. Our plays strive to be sensory-friendly, inclusive, and adaptable to the needs of all children. Participants can engage by creating characters, choosing their favorite costume, or by tapping and clapping along to their favorite tunes. Scheduling is easy, and performances can be stand-alone or occur monthly, quarterly, or even once a week for five weeks!

OUR IN-PERSON SHOWS

ALSO O

N CCTV

!

17

02

VIRTUAL PROGRAM

Our professional actors perform LIVE virtual shows on closed circuit television (CCTV) and on your favorite streaming devices! Our virtual plays allow ample opportunities for kids to join in the fun by calling or texting in as they sing along, play characters, and move the plot forward with the use of their imaginations. Children have the option to join on or off camera.

OUR VIRTUAL SHOWS

CCTV

CCTV

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FINANCIAL 2025 RESULTS Gala

Corporate Income Earned Income

Grants

DID YOU KNOW

Events

78 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR IS INVESTED IN OUR PROGRAMMING

Individual Contribution

Only Make Believe supporters have made significant investments in the organization to support growth and impact in recent years. With continued financial growth and program streamlining, Only Make Believe has steadily increased investment in our programs, inperson and virtual, every year for the past four years.

Individual Contribution $65,259

Grants $490,627

Gala $1,356,129

Fiscal Year 2025 audit is being conducted by: Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP Completed 2025 Audit will be available Summer 2026.

Corporate Income $495,760

2024 FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Organization Administration $15.7%

Fundraising $6.2%

Programs $78.1% The columns on the following page are representative for FY between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024.

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REVENUE (UNRESTRICTED) - $1,480,336 EXPENSES Program Services

$1,451,075.00

Administrative

$291,421.00

Fundraising

$114,538

Total Expenses...........................................................................................................................$1,857,034.00 Surplus/Deficit............................................................................................................................$(64,530.00)

ASSETS Cash and Investments

$1,297,117.00

Accounts Receivable & Other Assets

$449,602.00

Total Assets.............................................................................................................................$1,746,719.00

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities

$538,179.00

Total Liabilities............................................................................................................................ $538,179.00

NET ASSETS Unrestricted

$1,496,563.00

Retained Earnings

$242,768.00

Total Net Assets...................................................................................................................... $1,739,331.00 Total Liabilities and Net Assets ................................................................................. $2,277,510.00

Visit our website for a complete copy of our audited financials and Form 990

20

VOLUNTEER

PROGRAM

This year, our volunteers truly outdid themselves! We saw an extraordinary surge in volunteer hours compared to last year, with individuals and small groups in our NYC and D.C. offices pouring their creativity into crafting costumes for the children we serve.

VOLUNTEER HOURS 2,000 1,500 1,000 500

1,403

1,500

2024

2025

161 0

2023

“When I first heard about the Only Make Believe program I instantly knew I had to become involved! It ticked all my interest boxes: children, theatre, crafts, and community service. Watching an OMB performance showed me how costumes like hats and masks boosted the kids’ excitement.

I immediately began volunteering each month to help with costume creation and upkeep, knowing my efforts would bring smiles and laughter to every child” - John 21

As a curious and imaginative child, and now adult, who has always believed in the power of storytelling, I was immediately drawn to Only Make Believe and the incredible work they do to bring that to children. There is a true sense of community and joy at volunteering events as we mend and create costumes.

It’s amazing to see creativity come alive and to know the costumes have a direct impact on the children who attend and engage with OMB performances.

- Kaitlyn

GET INVOLVED!

Visit www.onlymakebelieve.org/volunteer to see upcoming volunteer opportunities in your city!

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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

PROGRAM In 2025, our corporate income increased by 60% compared to the previous year, driven largely by the continued growth of our Corporate Volunteer Program. The year saw both returning partners and new collaborations, with particularly significant growth in New York through our OMB In A Box program. Our Washington, DC office also expanded its community engagement, increasing initiatives with schools across the DMV area.

Significant corporate support in 2025 included: $40,000 from Comcast/NBCUniversal supporting Wicked: For Good initiatives. $185,000 from The Walt Disney Company committed for OMB In A Box events in 2026.

An increase from $95,000 in 2024 $16,500 from AIG supporting 2025 events, plus an additional $20,000 committed for 2026 (a new partner).

FUND A PERFORMANCE

GALA & EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SUPPLY DRIVES & INKIND DONATIONS

HOST A FUNDRAISER

There was so much laughter and joy in the room during the activity and everyone was proud of their creation and that it would help a child. Thanks again for providing this activity and creating holiday joy for our Cast Members!

-STACIA WAKE, WDW COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

23

2025 EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING Corporate partnerships and volunteers play a critical role in bringing joy, confidence, and creativity to the children we serve. To learn more about partnering with Only Make Believe, visit onlymakebelieve.org/corporate.

2,000

Volunteers

2,500 Hours

2,733

Costumes

Thank you for a lovely event yesterday. The volunteers loved the mission of Only Make Believe and had a great time making the costumes for the children. The best part of the event was you! You were awesome! Can’t wait to work again with you! ---- Denise Panzer, Lowenstein Sandler I’m proud that our team was able to create costumes for patients at Children’s Specialized Hospital. We were a small but mighty team with a lot of creativity to share. Thank you for enabling our teams to give their creativity and care in the volunteer projects - Isabella Camasura, Ralph Lauren

For opportunities in the New York City area, contact Sara Gonzalez at sgonzalez@onlymakebelieve.org.

For the Washington, DC area, contact Sean Carpenter at scarpenter@onlymakebelieve.org.

Together, we can create costumes, experiences, and memories that inspire children and transform lives—one performance at a time.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 CORPORATE PARTNERS

25

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

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26TH ANNIVERSARY GALA October 13, 2025

Broadway magic met boundless generosity at Only Make Believe’s 2025 Gala: ON BROADWAY! We returned to the heart of the theater district at the legendary Shubert Theatre for an unforgettable night hosted by John Oliver and directed by Brad Oscar.

The evening featured showstopping performances by Josh Groban, Darren Criss, Christopher Jackson, Lena Hall, Jak Malone, and Camille A. Brown & Dancers. We were also proud to honor Dame Anna Wintour and Adam Meshel for their extraordinary dedication to our community. The result was a historic milestone, raising over $1 million to bring the joy of interactive theatre to children in hospitals and care facilities.

A truly record-breaking celebration!

THE FOUNDER’S AWARD Adam Meshel, Citi’s Global Head of Legal and General Counsel of Citibank, N.A., received the OMB Founder’s Award for his outstanding dedication to philanthropy and the arts. Adam oversees Citi’s global legal department and serves on the Executive Management Committee.

With over 30 years of experience, including leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Adam is a steadfast advocate for the theater community. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and NYU School of Law, his commitment helps drive our mission of bringing interactive theatre to children in need.

THE CLAY STEFANKI AWARD The Clay Stefanki Award is given to children who share their unique gifts of joy and creativity with their communities.

This

year,

we

were

proud

to

honor

two

remarkable students from the A. Harry Moore School. Shenoda Saeed, 15, is an outgoing and adventurous spirit who loves to dance, play sports, and lead through his vivid imagination.

King Monroe, 7, is a bright, inquisitive creative who finds joy in music, Minecraft, and building complex structures. Both Shenoda and King embody the playful, resilient spirit of our mission, proving that a little imagination can build a world of possibilities.

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THE JAMES HAMMERSTEIN AWARD Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, was presented with the James Hammerstein Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to children in need. This prestigious honor, named in memory of theatre director James Hammerstein, celebrates those who use their influence to champion philanthropy and the arts.

Theatre is the most natural of art forms for a young person's imagination and indeed for a young person's hope. The children helped by Only Make Believe need joy.

They need community. They need support.

They need imagination. They need it now more than ever.

As a legendary figure in fashion and media, Anna has consistently used her platform to drive monumental fundraising efforts. During her tenure at Condé Nast, she has been a tireless advocate for the arts, most notably raising more than $400 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Her philanthropic reach extends to serving as an Elective Trustee of the Met and a Founding Committee Member for the New York-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center, focusing on mental health for young people.

In her moving acceptance speech at the 25th Anniversary Gala, Anna reflected on her deep personal roots in the theater and her belief that the stage is a vital instrument for healing. "Sharing [theater] with children who need a bright beacon in their lives seems to me the strongest instrument of healing that is for them and for us as a society too," she noted. Her steadfast commitment to service continues to inspire our mission, ensuring that children facing adversity can experience the transformative power of imagination.

Photo by Bruce Glikas

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 CORPORATE SPONSORS

Christine Schwarzman, No Guarantees

29

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 30

IMPACT NIGHT May 2025

Impact Night remains a cherished highlight of our year, and this gathering at the Maier home was no exception. Hosted

by Board Members Sally Wheeler Maier, Holly Fedorcik, and John Hardiman, the event brought our OMB family together to celebrate a landmark year of service.

We were privileged to hear from Advisory Board Member and partner Bianca Bocconi from Tribeca Prep, whose personal testimonial illuminated the profound connection between interactive theatre and childhood resilience. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to our donors and partners - the backbone of our organization - whose unwavering generosity allows us to reach more hospitals and schools than ever before. Together, we looked back with pride and forward with purpose, committed to the healing power of imagination.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 FUNDERS

Deutsche Bank Trust Company, NA, Trustee of the John H. and Ethel G. Noble Charitable Trust

The Isak & Rose Weinman Foundation

32

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sally Wheeler Maier Co-President Waseem Noor Co-President Mirza Kafedzic Treasurer Laura Angel-Lalanne Secretary Bradley Butwin Julie Cohen Holly Fedorcik Lara Flath Ken Haller, M.D. Jennifer Hammerstein* John Hardiman Brad Oscar Achilles Perry Sarah Rosand Monica Spruill David Travin Dena Hammerstein* Founder (Served 1999-2020) Joe DiPietro* Director Emeritus

* Founding Member

THE TEAM D.C. REGIONAL BOARD Sarah Rosand Chair Robyn Bash Owen Baughan Mareesa Frederick Lisa Kanter Monica Spruill

ADVISORY BOARD Bianca Bocconi Megan Callahan Ian Anthony Coleman Maria Crupi Ryan Duncan NadiaRose El-Erian Yetta Myrick Rachael Peters David Shih Ed & Matty Skeffington Kristala Pouncy Smart Garrett Zuercher

+

NYC JUNIOR BOARD Amanda Lambert President Jessica Jones Vice President Kristina Mullen Treasurer Kate Acker Victoria Augello Carol Clayman Kartik Naram Katy Newton

STAFF

Tamela Aldridge Executive Director Christopher Wilson Director of Programming & Communications Jaime Quiles Operations Director Anthony Bannister Program Manager Sean Carpenter Program & Volunteer Manager Bonnie Christilaw Assistant Program Manager Megan Graves Marketing & Program Coordinator Kayliane Burns Production Coordinator Sara Gonzalez Corporate Partnerships Associate Maggie Bizzarro Development Associate

+ Reflects roles and titles held during the 2025 fiscal year.

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

National Board of Directors & Adam Meshel - 2025

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