This spring, join us as we celebrate our distinguished gala honorees and The Huntington’s vibrant cultural contributions to the City of Boston. Enjoy an evening of artistry and entertainment while breaking bread with those closest to us. Your Gala support is essential to the longevity of our artistic, education, and community programs.
Monday, May 11, 2026
550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
5:30 Cocktail reception
7:00 Dinner, performance, and live auction
Festive spring attire
For more information, contact Alicia Hartz at 617-273-1503 or spotlight@huntingtontheatre.org.
RSVP
CHAIRS
Linda Aiello, Donald Nelson, Bobby Perino-Thompson, and Veronica Wiseman
HONORING
WIMBERLY AWARDEES:
Mfoniso Udofia and Karen Holmes Ward
Mfoniso Udofia is a first-generation Nigerian-American storyteller and educator who has been working with The Huntington for the last two years bringing the 9-play Ufot Family Cycle to life. Upcoming productions include Lifted, In Old Age, and Adia and Clora Snatch Joy. Mfoniso has also written on acclaimed shows like Things Fall Apart on A24, 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, A League of Their Own on Amazon, Let the Right One In on Showtime, and Pachinko (Peabody Award), Little America, and Lessons in Chemistry (Emmy and WGA Nomination) on Apple TV+. She has developed films for HBO, Legendary, and Amazon, and is a recipient of the 2025 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script (The Grove), the 2024 Steinberg Playwright Award, the 2021 Horton Foote Award, the 2017 Helen Merrill Award, and a 2017-18 McKnight National Residency/Commission. She is a member of New Dramatists and a graduate of Wellesley College and American Conservatory Theater.
Karen Holmes Ward was previously WCVB’s Director of Public Affairs and Community Services, as well as host and executive producer of CityLine. She was named 2025’s Broadcaster of the Year, was inducted into the 2018 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, received the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences ‘Silver Circle’ Award for Lifetime Achievement, and was part of the team honored with a National Association of Broadcasters ‘Service to Community in Television’ Award for WCVB’s community service efforts during and following the Boston Marathon attack. She is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications and has received honorary doctorates in humane letters and communications from Boston University, Cambridge College, and Merrimack College. At The Huntington, Karen has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2021, served as a spokesperson for the Name a Seat Campaign, and has hosted several Spotlight Galas.
ENCORE AWARDEE:
The Nancy and Edward‡ Roberts Family
‡ Deceased
Nancy and Edward Roberts have been devoted champions of The Huntington since its very first season in 1982. Drawn by the vitality of a new theatrical voice in Boston, they quickly became regular attendees and donors and began making significant campaign contributions when The Huntington was led by Michael Maso and Nicholas Martin.
Both lifelong educators, Nancy and Edward shared a deep belief in the power of the arts to inspire curiosity, empathy, and rigorous thinking. Nancy served as a professor at Lesley University, where her work focused on Computers in Education. Edward was a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he began and grew the academic study of entrepreneurship and founded the MIT Entrepreneurship Center. Together, they valued institutions that brought ideas to life and fostered meaningful dialogue—qualities they consistently found at The Huntington.
Edward passed away in 2023, but his passion for The Huntington and belief in its mission remain an enduring part of the Roberts’ legacy. In 2024, Nancy relocated to Florida, yet she continues to be a steadfast supporter of The Huntington. Her ongoing commitment honors both their shared history with The Huntington, and their lasting belief in the transformative power of live performance.
Nancy and Edward’s three children – Valerie, Mitchell and Andrea – also have a passion for the arts and have spawned 9 grandchildren who enjoy a good show as well. Mitchell Roberts has been a trustee and past president of the Board of The Huntington since 1996. Simply put, the Roberts Family and The Huntington have enjoyed a beautiful relationship over the past 40 years where both “families” have made life-long impacts on one another.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AND TICKETS
PREMIERE – $100,000+
Estimated value of goods and services is $3,960
- Two top priority tables of ten
- Complimentary parking for ten vehicles
- Special recognition in the evening’s remarks and recognition on select event signage and website
- Two-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
SPOTLIGHT – $50,000
Estimated value of goods and services is $3,960
- Two high priority tables of ten
- Complimentary parking for ten vehicles
- Recognition on select event signage and website
- Full-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
MARQUEE – $25,000
Estimated value of goods and services is $1,980
- One high priority table of ten
- Complimentary parking for five vehicles
- Recognition on event website
- Full-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
CENTER STAGE – $15,000
Estimated value of goods and services is $1,980
- One priority table of ten
- Complimentary parking for five vehicles
- Half-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
DIRECTOR QUARTET – $10,000
Estimated value of goods and services is $792
- Seating for four
- Complimentary parking for two vehicles
- Half-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
PLAYWRIGHT PAIR – $5,000
Estimated value of goods and services is $396
- Seating for two
- Complimentary parking for one vehicle
- Quarter-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
HUNT QUARTET – $1,500
(For young professionals age 40 and under) Estimated value of goods and services is $792
- Priority seating for four
- Complimentary parking for two vehicles
- Half-page congratulatory message in the Tribute Book
- One year membership to The Hunt, The Huntington’s young donor group
PATRON TICKET – $1,500
Estimated value of goods and services is $178
- Seating for one
HUNT TICKET – $300
(For young professionals age 40 and under) Estimated value of goods and services is $178
- Seating for one
- One year membership to The Hunt, The Huntington’s young donor group
CORPORATE SUPPORT
To learn more about corporate support and specific corporate benefits for the 2026 Spotlight Gala, please click the link below. To make a corporate contribution, please contact Alicia Hartz at 617-273-1503 or spotlight@huntingtontheatre.org.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
TRIBUTE BOOK CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES
The 2026 Gala Tribute Book will be distributed to in-person gala attendees and includes the night’s program, menu, and more event details. Reserving a congratulatory message is a wonderful way to participate in the evening’s festivities and offer your support to those in the room. If you reserve a congratulatory message but are unable to attend the event, The Huntington can mail you a copy of the Tribute Book after the gala upon request.
4.5″ W x 7.5″ H: $1,500
4.5″ W x 3.6″ H: $1,000
2.25″ W x 3.6″ H: $500
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidance, a distribution from a donor advised fund may not be used to pay for any portion of an in-person event ticket or sponsorship. As with any philanthropic decision, we encourage you to consult with your own tax/financial advisor.
The Huntington Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For attendees, the amount deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess over the value of goods or services provided.
