Cary Bland Simpson Oversees “Only Make Believe” 20th Anniversary Gala
November 12, 2019Cary Bland Simpson (UNC English ’14 w/ minors in Creative Writing & Dramatic Art), Development Manager for Only Make Believe in New York City, has just overseen OMB’s successful 20th Anniversary Gala at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway, Monday, November 4th, 2019.
The annual gala this year honored Only Make Believe’s founder Dena Hammerstein, who started the organization in honor of her late husband, James Hammerstein, and raised $920,000 for OMB, which brings theatre to children in nearly fifty New York City area hospitals.
Sir Ian McKellen, who has been involved with the charity since its inception in 1999, told Playbill the project was close to his heart. “I’ve always believed in the healing power of theatre, and it’s important that Only Make Believe continues to thrive. It’s the most wonderful idea, I’ve seen kids really brought back to health by these performers.”