2023 Annual Report

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

ANNUAL

2 0 2 3 REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

Mission

3

Letter From Only Make Believe Board Co-Presidents

4

Letter From Only Make Believe Executive Director

7

Our Reach

8

Our Impact

10

Our Community

13

Our Acting Company

18

Our Program

20

Financials

22

Volunteer Program

24

Corporate Partnerships Program

26

Events

30

Funders

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 4 Star Rating which means the organization exceeds best practices and industry standards across almost all areas and is a highly-effective charity.

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

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ONLY MAKE BELIEVE ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 2

A LETTER FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS OF OUR BOARD

Dear Friend, We hope this finds you well and thriving. Only Make Believe continues to focus on our mission to bring joy and empowerment to as many children with medically fragile conditions and disabilities as possible. You are an integral part of our success and we are grateful and proud to partner with you. We truly could not meet our goals without you. Your steadfast support allows us to continue to provide our interactive theatre programming in hospitals, schools, and care facilities. OMB is thrilled to have weathered the pandemic through thoughtful, measured care and strategy, while supporting our staff and professional actors. We have come out stronger than ever. We are thrilled you chose to stand with us throughout!

2023 saw us hit a milestone and surpass 100,000 children served! Each quarter we see demand increase, and we are currently in person at 38 partner hospitals and 27 partner schools in New York and DC. Last year, our virtual programming sustained 260 children, keeping them engaged even when their mobility is limited. Our collaboration with Ryan Seacrest Studios has grown to 16 pediatric hospitals across the US. Investment in our staff and actors is at the heart of our culture. Program consultants include ASL training, sensitivity training, and a Drama Therapist. Our comprehensive strategic plan is never far from our sights, reminding us of the endless potential we harbor. Looking towards the future, we are certain our work will grow and our impact multiply. Staying fluid and attentive to the needs of our population keeps us all excited for what is to come. We aim to become an essential part of children’s healthcare. With teamwork, we can continue to fulfill our mission: transforming the lives of thousand of children struggling with medically fragile conditions, suffering through difficult treatments, and searching for joy and connection through the magic of make believe.

We look forward to partnering with you for twenty-five more years!

With gratitude,

Jennifer Jennifer and Sally

+ Sally 3

A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR So, let me drill down into this just a bit. Only Make Believe performances are not one-sizefits-all. Never have been. From the beginning our founder, Dena Hammerstein, met with facility staff to learn about the patients in order to tailor the scripts she wrote for their specific needs. Over the years, we have continued these site visits with all of our facility partners, which provided OMB with the flexibility to adapt our programming to each site’s population; adjusting story length, content, and engagement approaches in order to ensure that each child will achieve optimal engagement and have the most rewarding experience.

OMB is winning...returning to 70% of our partners with in-person programming, 16 city expansion with virtual programming, bringing back our volunteer programs, premiering two new scripts in 2024, and expanding our community.

In 2023, Only Make Believe celebrated its 24th year, which is a wonderful accomplishment for any organization. In our 1st year, 1999, Only Make Believe performed 12 shows for a total of 132 children at our 1st partner facility, Rusk Institute’s Pediatric Unit at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Today, we have performed more than 7,120 shows. We have performed with more than 80 partner facilities, including the expansion to major children’s hospitals in 16 cities nationwide in just 2 years. In April 2023, Only Make Believe performed with its 100,000th child! Needless to say, we are proud to have reached this milestone. However, in a time where going viral takes only a matter of hours, where lottery jackpots are in the billions, and we are plugged in 24/7 to anything we like – 100,000 isn’t particularly a large number.

Only Make Believe has developed virtual programming that enabled us to remain connected at the height of the pandemic.

Again, we worked in tandem with our partner facilities and a small group of children called “The Believers,” who helped us shape this new virtual content, making it visually engaging as well as interactive. In 2023, Only Make Believe commissioned 2 new scripts by professional playwrights who specialize in theatre for young audiences. Not only have we included partner facilities and children in this development process, we have also consulted with a drama therapist to integrate therapeutic dramatic activities and trauma-aware perspectives into each script. To ensure our professional acting company is confident in working with all audiences, we conduct workshops with accessibility, inclusion, and American Sign Language consultants.

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This is why serving 100,000 children in this way, reaching this milestone, during this time period ,is extraordinary! Quality over quantity.

Empowerment, not just entertainment. This type of creative, engaging, and intentional work is not a fast process. It never should be. Slow and steady wins the race. OMB is winning...returning to 70% of our partners with in-person programming, 16 city expansion with virtual programming, bringing back our volunteer programs, premiering two new scripts in 2024, and expanding our community. As a thought leader at the intersection of arts, healthcare, and special education, Only Make Believe strives to ignite self-discovery within the children we meet and create a vision of unlimited possibilities for us all.

I am passionate about Only Make Believe.

But it’s not just me. Everyone at Only Make Believe is passionate about what we do, how we can do it better, and what it takes to do more. Only Make Believe continues its legacy of unlocking children’s imaginations, enabling them to spread their wings and soar! This legacy also impacts all of us at OMB. As the Executive Director, I am captivated by the forward momentum this organization has established due to the commitment of all its stakeholders: our Board of Directors, Staff, Company of Professional Actors, and Partner Facilities.

I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with each of them as we add more in-person performances annually, as our virtual programming continues to expand nationwide, and as we develop new, inclusive theatrical content striving to serve as many children as possible. All of us at OMB have taken wing via our dedication to this organization, and together we are soaring!

In closing, I have a special message to all our donors, funders, and sponsors. You are all a part of the OMB family, our community, and we truly appreciate you. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff, Acting Company, and Partner Facilities, I thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your enthusiasm for our mission. But most of all, thank you for believing in make believe!

In Steadfast Commitment and Collaboration,

Tamela

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EMPOWERING CHILDREN THROUGH INTERACTIVE THEATRE

SINCE 1999...

100,000 +

Children Served

138

Partner Hospitals

53

Partner Schools

6,500

Interactive Shows

80

Actors Employed

26,269 Volunteers

45,359

Volunteer Hours

83

Corporate Partners 6

OUR REACH 2023

Only Make Believe has returned to over 70% of pre-pandemic partners and expanded to over 16 cities in the US through virtual programming.

In-Person Hub Virtual Hub Added in 2023-2024

2,468

Children Served PARTNERS BY LOCATION

38

Partner Hospitals

Expansion 20.2%

27

Interactive Shows

Virtual 23.8%

NYC 53.9%

Partner Schools

297

VIRTUAL VS. IN PERSON

DC 25.9%

In Person 76.2%

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Actors Employed

662

Hours of Employment 7

OUR IMPACT 2023

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 four (4) week series of OMB performances with a cohort of eleven (11) participating partner facilties.

18% 45%

32%

50%

27%

36%

50%

Social Engagement

Making Eye Contact

36%

Completing Tasks

High Change Moderate Change Slight Change

14%

32%

55% SelfExpression

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

23%

27%

50%

Focusing

32%

27%

41%

Non-Aggressive Behavior

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

Some 14%

Not Needed 5% Vital 45% Important 50% Very Much 86%

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RESEARCH SHOWS WHY THIS MATTERS Exposure to the arts improves emotional intelligence, promotes creativity, and results in heightened self-esteem. Too often, these artistic experiences are not offered to children with disabilities and chronic illnesses at the same rate as they are for other children.

Aftereffects of COVID-19 The National Institutes of Health released a report in June of 2023 concerning the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents with Special Education Needs and Disabilities.

Research has shown that students with disabilities comprise 14% of all children in public schools. These students receive poorer educational experiences compared to their peers due to structural barriers around needed services such as individualized interventions, meal plans, and mental health services.

“There is substantial evidence COVID-19 had a particularly profound effect on youth with special educational needs and dis/abilities including youth with neurodevelopmental and developmental disorders, learning differences, and intellectual and other dis/abilities.”

The NIH provides their recommendation for schools to support positive schooling experiences. These experiences should “focus on partnering with multiple stakeholders and emphasize promoting mental health, adaptive social relationships.” Only Make Believe positions itself then as a crucial partner that leverages play with the building of social-emotional relationships and skills.

Source: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - “Impacts of COVID-19 on School Experience” June 2023

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KIDS

MEET OUR COMMUNITY

"I am proud of everyone for participating in the show and for having fun.

Well, I hope everyone had fun! I sure know I did."

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

“[OMB] motivates you to imagine. This was a time to be a v kid and use my imagination.”

- Participant, The Children's Inn at NIH

"Can they stay for the rest of camp? I don't want them to leave!" v - Participant, HSC Kids in Action, Adaptive Sports Camp

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

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HOSPITALS "One of our sweet patients was having a really hard day today prior to this show. Through tears, they brightened when invited to participate in this.

Watching them smile, laugh and engage throughout the show was a testament to what you all do. Truly transforming patients from their hospital environment through therapeutic programming!"

- Jill Pocius, Manager, Seacrest Studios, Children's Health Dallas (Virtual)

"Currently the unit has been experiencing many patient behavioral challenges, however, we witnessed a complete shift on the unit. From the cool props, costuming and sound effects that tickled our patients, to the mediative directives that brought calmness and positive coping mechanisms, today’s performance was truly a testament to the power of Only Make Believe. Everyone of the actors were able to improvise, engage and acknowledge our patients that allowed them to feel safe and supported while having fun. We were able to see calmness from patients who were previously rowdy, and engagement from patients who were reserved."

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

SCHOOLS "We loved todays performance of Rick Spacey, Space Detective! It was perfect for our students with Autism. It was super engaging as they danced, sang and explored with us. Each actor circled the room as they interacted with each audience member. They were full of enthusiasm which in turn made our students even more excited. There are not many programs that appeal to our students and we are so grateful we found a program that our students enjoyed so much!"

- Noreen Garvey, Special Education Teacher, Autism Program, Westchester Hills School 29 11

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 12

OUR 2024 ACTING COMPANY

Only Make Believe hires professional actors in New York City and Washington, D.C. to engage with the children we serve. We are dedicated to supporting the artistic economy with opportunities for actors, stage managers, and other industry professionals to help support our program.

I've been an actor with OMB since 2002. I believe in the work that we do. I have seen first-hand the difference that this brand of healing has made in the lives of the children we serve. I have seen children attached to intravenous drips express sheer joy as they walk across the “tightrope,” make believing that they are skilled circus performers. I have seen children in wheelchairs clap and grin with glee as they don a feather boa and make believe that they are fashion divas strutting down the runway. I have seen teenagers who thought that they were "too cool for school" singing our theme song to us by the end of our time together. The joy, the excitement is contagious, and this is the type of outbreak that I gladly welcome! I have been an actor with OMB for this long because I BELIEVE IN MAKE BELIEVE.

JACQ GREGG

NYC COMPANY MEMBER (2002 - PRESENT)

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NEW YORK CITY RESIDENT COMPANY

ALEX ACOSTA

SORA BAEK

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

IAN EATON

JACQ GREGG

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

JEANETTE BONNER

DAN DOMINGUES

BROOKE M. HANEY

SHUBHANGI KUCHIBHOTLA

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

An acting career can often seem a bit selfserving & self-celebratory. I run out of gas very fast on a project if I think the only person benefitting from it is me. I never have to ask the question "Why am I doing this" at OMB. The impact our shows have on the children (and the adults!) is so clear, and the four-week (now five-week) cycle we do for each school allows us to see the growth that these shows encourage among the children over the month-plus that we perform with them. The work is sacred & cultivating (for all involved), and a great deal of fun!

JOHN STILLWAGGON NYC COMPANY MEMBER (2023 - PRESENT)

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NEW YORK CITY RESIDENT COMPANY

MELODY MUNITZ

RYAN PATER

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

VANESA RENDÓN

JOHN STILLWAGGON

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

MARIA PEYRAMAURE NEW YORK

CASTERLINE VILLAR NEW YORK

DIEGO PRIETO

NEW YORK

CHANNIE WAITES NEW YORK

As we say at the beginning of each show, we’re there to do a play with our audience, not for them. And, we know that participation can look different from site to site and person to person, so we’re equipped with tools to maximize engagement with each individual child, as they are when we greet them on the day. Typical theatrical productions for children, though well-meaning, often aren’t built to adapt to audiences with disabilities and special needs, and so can miss the opportunity for individual impact that Only Make Believe strives for with every performance.

LAURA C. HARRIS

DC COMPANY MEMBER (2017- PRESENT)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT COMPANY

MEGAN GRAVES

LAURA C. HARRIS

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

CAMILO LINARES

RAVEN LORRAINE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

JIMMY MAVRIKES

ASHLEY NGUYEN

RYAN SELLERS

TIA SHEARER

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

ALINA COLLINS MOLDONADA WASHINGTON, D.C.

JOHN SYGAR WASHINGTON, D.C.

I will never forget a show that we did when a child who at the beginning of the show did not speak but at the end of the show when we asked them to share what imagination meant to them, decided to share a word. I'll never forget the way their aid looked at us.

Her jaw dropped in shock, eyes wide, she later came to us after the show and said that the student who spoke was non-verbal and that it has taken them years to get him to speak and that he had only said words maybe 2 or 3 times a year in school. It felt very rewarding that we as a company could create an environment where that child felt they could share.

RAVEN LORRAINE

DC COMPANY MEMBER (2020 - PRESENT)

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ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 17

2024 PROGRAM 01

IN PERSON PROGRAM

Our professional actors set up a backdrop, trunk, and a few props the rest is up to the imagination. All our plays strive to be sensoryfriendly, 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

!

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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 along with the use of their imaginations. Children have the option to join on or off camera.

OUR VIRTUAL SHOWS

ZOOM

CCTV

CCTV

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FINANCIAL 2023 RESULTS DID YOU KNOW

Net Assets Released $200,000

82 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR IS INVESTED IN OUR PROGRAMMING

Events $81,302 Gala $835,803

Grants $358,866

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 three years.

Fiscal Year 2023 audit is being conducted by: Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP Completed 2023 Audit will be available Summer 2024.

Corporate Income $269,341

2023 FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Marketing & Fund Development 11% Organization Administration 13%

Programs 76% These financial statements represent the consolidation of audited financial statements from the U.S. 501(c)(3) Registered Charity. The columns on the following page are representative for FY between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022.

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REVENUE (UNRESTRICTED) - $1,848,564 EXPENSES Program Services

$1,409,732.00

Administrative

$237,775.00

Fundraising

$200,090.00

Total Expenses..........................................................................................................................$1,847,597.00 Surplus/Deficit......................................................................................................................................$967.00

ASSETS Cash and Investments

$1,468,371.00

Accounts Receivable & Other Assets

$132,780.00

Total Assets....................................................................................................................................$1,601,151.00

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities

$31,130.00

Total Liabilities...................................................................................................................................$31,130.00

NET ASSETS Unrestricted

$300,000.00

Retained Earnings

$1,270,021.00

Total Net Assets........................................................................................................................$1,570,021.00 Total Liabilities and Net Assets .......................................................................................$1,601,151.00

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

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VOLUNTEER

PROGRAM

Monthly volunteer events had a strong comeback this year!

Individuals and small groups came together at the NYC and DC offices to contribute their time and creativity making costumes to share with children during our shows. These dedicated volunteers ensured our supply of kids’ masks, hats, and tutus are “show ready” and up to OMB safety and quality standards. Bonus: kids were able to keep all the costumes they wanted!

VOLUNTEER HOURS

New York City 86

161 HOURS!

Washington, D.C. 75

The event was very enjoyable and the work atmosphere was very friendly. Time flew by quickly.

This is my second time participating in one of these events and me and my sister will almost definitely be back soon. - Josh

It was really engaging and interesting!

Super professional and I definitely had a lot of fun contributing to a good cause!

Would love to do it again! - Shannina 22

I had so much fun, I loved it! I think this is such a cool and unique way to bring some light to kids going through a hard time. - Chloe

Loved it!! Second time back, I enjoy Gabriella being so informative but most of all down to Earth. The people that come to volunteer are amazing also. It's a must do event for couples, friends and families. Wonderful and cozy space. - Chanisse

GET INVOLVED!

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

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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

PROGRAM Our corporate income nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023! Corporate partners are vital to our success. We work with like-minded, impactdriven companies focused on meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. This allows us to better understand the specific goals of each company and focus on what’s most important to them.

FUND A PERFORMANCE

GALA & EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SUPPLY DRIVES & INKIND DONATIONS

HOST A FUNDRAISER

Partnering with Only Make Believe to bring volunteerism into the office for our employees was an incredible experience. Employees got the chance to come together, get creative, and contribute to a meaningful cause. It was awesome to see!

SAHIBA BARISUTH, SENIOR MANAGER, IMPACT & INCLUSION, ENDEAVOR 24

2023 EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING Each costume created at our Corporate Volunteer events will impact the life of a child we perform with by instilling confidence and encouraging interaction with our actors, while also providing comfort long after the show has ended.

1,329

Volunteers

2,000 Hours

1,579

Costumes

The hands-on experience offers an opportunity to give back to our community in support of an important cause while creating a creative, fun and interactive team-building experience for Citi colleagues.

- Reem Aliessa, Senior Manager, Citi Volunteers

I look forward to this event because it’s a win/win, we get to help children by being children at heart. This is also a great team building event, my team members feel closer after this activity.

- Disney VoluntEAR

To learn more, visit onlymakebelieve.org/corporate

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24TH ANNUAL GALA

November 6th, 2023

Only Make Believe's 24th Annual Gala, held at the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway in NYC, was a celebration of the organization's milestone achievement of serving more than 100,000 children.

With show stopping performances by Justin Guarini, Tony Award Winner J. Harrison Ghee, Two-time Tony Award Nominated Brad Oscar and many more talented Broadway performers, this event raised more than $800,000 to support our interactive theatre programming in hospitals, care facilities and schools with special education programs.

THE JAMES HAMMERSTEIN AWARD Only Make Believe presented the James Hammerstein Award to Brooke Shields in recognition of her advocacy, activism and artistic legacy. The James Hammerstein Award honors performing artists who have demonstrated a commitment through philanthrophic engagement.

THE FOUNDER‘S AWARD Kimberley D. Harris, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation and General Counsel of NBCUniversal, was presented with the OMB Founder's Award, which recognizes and honors an individual's dedication to philanthropy.

Kimberley serves on the Board of Directors for the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and is also a member of each of the firm’s Governance, Compensation and Public Responsibilities Committees; Advocates for Children of New York, an organization that provides legal and advocacy services to at-risk students in the New York City school system; and the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. Harris is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Yale Law School Center for the Study of Corporate Law, and the Board of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Health System.

Imagination, interaction, inspiration, joy, laughter, play, empowerment, hope…these are the words that just pierce my heart when I think of a child not automatically getting exposed to those words…to be able to feel them in their lives daily. This is what Only Make Believe stands for and what it does so beautifully, OMB opens its arms and its hearts to the most deserving. It alleviates tensions and allows the kids to shine by providing escape, humor, healthy distraction.

Magic happens. Smiles happen. Joy happens.

-Brooke Shields

- Brooke Shields

Only Make Believe gets it right every single time.

Through song, costume, and movement, they teach children about perseverance, teamwork, confidence, acceptance, courage and many other aspects of self expression and self empowerment...lesson we all could learn.

- Kimberley D. Harris

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THE CLAY STEFANKI AWARD This year’s recipient of the Clay Stefanki Award is - Christopher Christy. Christopher, 19, has been active with Only Make Believe since he was 10 years old via our partnership with the Kids in Action Program through the HSC Pediatric Center.

Christopher is deaf and has hemiparesis and cerebral palsy as a result of having brain cancer when he was two years old. Christopher is a 17 year brain cancer survivor. He loves participating in 10 different sports throughout the year with Special Olympics including football, bowling and basketball just to name a few. He has started his first job through the Maryland School for the Deaf - Work to Learn program.

ABOUT THE AWARD Clay Stefanki was a professional actor in New York City. Having discovered musical theatre as a child, Clay pursued his passion for theatre until Broadway closed down due to COVID. Upon his return home he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and passed away at the age of 33 on November 5, 2020.

Tennis superstar Andy Roddick and model/actress Brooklyn Decker approached OMB about giving out a children’s award in Clay’s honor. Andy and Brooklyn share a special bond with the Stefanki family as Clay’s father, Larry, is Andy’s former coach. The Clay Stefanki Award is given to children who are dedicated to sharing their gift of joy and creativity with their community.

I’m really thrilled and excited to be a part of Only Make Believe. It’s a thrilling experience. (To celebrate,) I’m just going to be so happy. I’m going to eat a lot of food!

- Christopher Christy

When I first met Christopher, he was very quiet, he was shy, he sat in the back of the room, really didn’t participate very much and was very reserved...now he is a different child. He is extremely interactive, he is the star of the show and Only Make Believe has been such a huge part of his life to get him where he is today.

- Robyn Cohen Manager Kids in Action - HSC

MORE INFO COMING SOON

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OTHER EVENTS The Box, the thrilling nightclub on the Lower East Side, provided the perfect location for Only Make Believe's annual NY Junior Board event. With the backdrop of The Box's art, creativity, and theatrical escapism, the NY Junior Board was able to raise critical funds for OMB programming.

The DC Regional Board and the DC Junior Board collectively hosting a fun-filled event at SPIN DC. This night ended up being one to remember as we gathered for food, fun and stewardship to raise funds for programming at our 16 partner facilities in the DC metro area.

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ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 29

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 CORPORATE PARTNERS

KALMIA ADVISORS

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 FUNDERS

Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation

The Elaine Dannheisser Foundation

The Isak & Rose Weinman Foundation

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THE TEAM NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jennifer Hammerstein* Co-President Sally Wheeler Maier Co-President Laura Angel-Lalanne Treasurer Waseem Noor Secretary Bradley Butwin Joe DiPietro* Holly Fedorcik Ken Haller, M.D. John Hardiman Lara Flath Mirza Kafedzic Brad Oscar Achilles Perry Sarah Rosand Monica Spruill David Travin

DC REGIONAL BOARD Sarah Rosand Chair Jim Barratt Robyn Bash Mareesa Frederick Lisa Kanter Sabina Menschel Monica Spruill

DC JUNIOR BOARD

NadiaRose El-Erian Megan Callahan Kevin Pettit

NYC JUNIOR BOARD Carol Clayman President Amanda Lambert Secretary Allison Haglund Co-Secretary Brian Mason Treasurer Kate Acker Alan Chen Sophie Glassman Jessica Jones Kartik Naram Katy Newton Allie Pazos Matthew Thornburg

STAFF

Tamela Aldridge Executive Artistic Director Christopher Wilson Director of Programming Jaime Quiles Operations Director Anthony Bannister NYC Production Manager Sean Carpenter Program Manager Gabriella Guimaraes Corporate Partnerships Manager Bonnie Christilaw Production Associate Megan Graves Program & Marketing Associate Sara Gonzalez Administrative Assistant Kayliane Burns Production Assistant James Bizzarro Interim Development Associate

Dena Hammerstein* Founder (Served 1999-2020)

* Founding Member

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE

National Board of Directors with 2023 Honoree, Kimberley D. Harris

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