Special thanks to our Gala Chairs The Hadar Family – Eric, Allison, Anna & Ivan
SAY was thrilled to honor: Kelli O’Hara & The Naughton Family, George Springer, and Marc Vetri
Guests were delighted with special appearances by: Prince Amukamara, Mario Batali, Ron Guidry, Helen Mirren, Sam Rockwell, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Amy Ryan, and more!
Hundreds of guests joined us for a 6:30PM Performance Followed by Dinner and Live Auction at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts & Rosenthal Pavilion at NYU, 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South
Read this letter of support from Vice President Biden.
SAY's 12th Annual Gala
Kelli O’Hara & The Naughton Family – SAY: Budd Mayer Advocacy Award
Kelli O’Hara and The Naughton Family, James, Greg, Keira, and the late Pamela, are true inspirations to SAY. Their accolades are numerous, stars of the stage and screen, musically gifted and all blessed with hearts of gold. Somehow, they always find time for the kids of SAY.
Whether it’s Kelli recording a song written by our kids, James and Pamela supporting our kids at a performance, Greg performing at our Gala, or Keira starring in our One-Act plays, they manage to make SAY a priority. They are true advocates for our kids, and cherished members of the SAY family.
We are so proud to be associated with SAY. The kids are constant inspirations (and heroes!) to us. What SAY does for and with the kids is pure magic.
George Springer – SAY: Humanitarian Award
As a person who openly discusses his stutter, George is a role model and champion for young people who stutter and recently became a Spokesperson for SAY. George will host a Bowling Benefit on July 20, 2015, in Houston, TX, with proceeds helping even more kids attend Camp SAY. George will also make educational appearances to remind kids who stutter that they have a voice that matters.
George is a celebrated Houston Astros outfielder and Sports Illustrated cover athlete. George played his first MLB game in April 2014, and has received accolades and awards in both the minor and major leagues. Given the 2015 MLB schedule, George is unable to accept this award in person, but his parents will honor us by accepting the award on his behalf.
I totally embrace my stutter – it makes me who I am.
“I’m thrilled to team up with The Stuttering Association for the Young, and wish that I had an organization like SAY when I was a kid.
Together, we can help young people who stutter find their own unique and powerful voices.”
Marc Vetri – SAY: Hero Award
As a person who stutters, Marc reminds all young people who stutter that anything they dream of doing is possible. Marc embraces his stutter, and through speaking engagements and conferences, he has become a hero to young people who stutter.
As chef/founder of Philadelphia’s critically acclaimed Vetri Family of Restaurants, Marc has established award-winning restaurants Vetri, Osteria, Amis, Alla Spina, Pizzeria Vetri & Lo Spiedo. Marc is world-renowned for bringing a bold, contemporary sensibility to classic Italian cooking, has won several prestigious awards and developed three highly acclaimed cookbooks. Marc is also the driving force behind The Vetri Foundation for Children, an initiative that helps kids experience the connection between healthy eating and healthy living, which has served more than 300,000 healthy meals. Click here to learn more about Marc.
When I was growing up I wished there had been an organization like SAY around. The work SAY does is so critical and valuable.
“(SAY) are tireless advocates for our community, and their main goal of empowering our youth to pursue their dreams is something we should all support and aspire to. This building of confidence is so important and is only one of many things SAY does. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can realize your dreams, and nothing—especially stuttering—can hold you back. The fact that SAY would select me for this honor is truly humbling. It is an incredible honor, and one that is deeply felt and appreciated.”