Last night, supporters of Rosie’s Theater Kids gathered at the Marriott Marquis near Times Square for the organization’s
12th annual benefit gala, which honored Tony-Award-winning Broadway actress Kristin Chenoweth. Founded by comedian Rosie O’Donnell and former ballerina Lori Klinger in 2003, Rosie’s Theater Kids is one of the largest arts-in-education programs serving New York City public school students. More than 2,000 students take advantage of RTKids programs each year, and over the past 12 years the organization has touched the lives of more than 50,000 NYC students–more than 75 percent of whom come from underserved communities in the city.
Stars such as Tatum O’Neal, BD Wong, Fran Drescher, Jessie Mueller, and the singer Orfeh also attended the event, and the gala raised more than $800,000 to benefit RTKids academic and artistic programs.
The performances by RTKids were certainly the highlights of the evening, demonstrating the children’s inspiring passion for and commitment to the performing arts. Following Rosie O’Donnell’s opening remarks, the RTKids performed an uplifting performance called “RISE,” and after dinner, an adorable tribute to Kristin Chenoweth, called “A Little Medley,” created by BD Wong. After Chenoweth accepted her award for her outstanding support for arts education, the RTKids gave a heartfelt performance called “Me, You, We,” inspired by the book I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai–the Paksitani activist for female education and youngest Nobel prize-winner in history.
Through November 5, RTKids will continue auctioning off a number of one-of-a-kind Broadway items and celebrity experiences–such as the chance to see “Hamilton” with O’Donnell and meet the cast afterwards–and a to support their programs. You can check them out at charitybuzz.com/rtkids.
To learn more about Rosie’s Theater Kids, visit rosiestheaterkids.org!
