The Kate’s Annual Gala

Honoring Annette Bening
 

The Kate’s 2026 Gala

CONFIDENCE: SHE WEARS IT WELL

Saturday, August 29, 2026
5:30 PM

Join us in honoring acclaimed actress of stage and screen, Annette Bening, as she receives the 11th annual Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award!

Katharine Hepburn and Annette Bening appeared together in the 1994 film Love Affair, along with Warren Beatty. They both reflect the enduring legacy of women who define what it means to be a leading lady: talented, confident, and unforgettable!

THE EVENING’S ITINERARY:

5:30 PM - TENTS ON THE PATIO AND TOWN GREEN

Cocktail Hour+ with gourmet food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Coffee’s Country Market and Fine Catering; open bar
Online Auction 
Selfies with the bronze statuette of Miss Hepburn
Live entertainment by The Cartells Quartet

7:00 PM - IN THE THEATER

Welcome remarks
Mission Moment and Paddle Raise
Presentation of the Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award to Annette Bening and interview conducted by Cynthia McFadden

8:15 PM - TENTS ON THE PATIO AND TOWN GREEN

Dessert, savory snacks, coffee and cordials
Live entertainment by The Cartells Quartet
Online Auction bidding closes at 8:30 pm

Attire: Smart casual; flat heels recommended

TICKETS:

Fan @ $300 per person 

($140 per ticket is tax-deductible.)

Backer @ $600 per person 

This level includes a program listing and premium theater seating in the orchestra level or first row balcony plus, our thanks for your additional donation! ($440 per ticket is tax-deductible.)

Champion @ $1,200 per person

This level includes a special meet-and-greet reception with the honoree (to take place on the same day, ahead of the Gala, location TBD), program listing, priority theater seating plus, our endless appreciation for your additional donation! ($990 per ticket is tax-deductible.)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Consider joining the roster of our esteemed sponsors. Learn more here.

Featured Sponsor
The RiverLane

Producer Sponsor
American Cruise Lines
AT&T

Director Sponsors
Centerbrook Architects
Essex Financial
Garde Arts Center
Kainen, Escalera & McHale, PC
Liberty Bank
Michael and Jo-Ann Price
Possidento Therrien Electrical Contractors
Sullivan Financial Advisors

This event is supported in part by Ascend Bank in partnership with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County

Official Wine of the Gala
LaCrema

Thank you to RedPaperPlane for their in-kind printing support.

FAQ

Does this event involve a sit-down dinner?

No, this is not a seated dinner, rather guests will be able to visit food stations throughout the area and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres. Several groupings of tables and chairs and bench seating is available around the patio.

Regarding the menu, are dietary restrictions taken into consideration?

The caterer provides several vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free items. The menu will be added to this page at a later date.

Can I select my theater seats ahead of time?

Theater seats will be assigned by the Kate, however, please let us know at the time of purchase if you are not able to manage stairs to the balcony.

Will I be able to meet the award recipient?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the award recipient will meet and greet individual guests. Attendees may take photos of the award presentation and interview from their seats.