The Cougar Ball
Celebrating Fabulous Creatures Over 40
Cougars are a uniquely adapted creature. They are perfectly evolved to live in their natural habitat –
our habit is Art and Community.
The Cougar Ball began in 2013 as an annual event to benefit The Actors Fund & Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, celebrating strong, confident, fabulous women. Over the years the method of raising funds has evolved from live events and raffles to calendar sales to webathons and virtual auctions.
Our Story
How The Cougar Ball Came About...
by The Cougar Ball's Founder & Producer, Sabra Michelle
“When I saw my 40th birthday approaching, I daydreamed about throwing a big formal cocktail party for all my friends. But then I realized I could barely afford to buy myself a drink at the bar, much less all of my friends. In the meantime, I was being treated for a vocal issue that was generously aided by doctors in the Actors Fund network, applying for an affordable apartment with the help of Actors Fund advisors and residences, working out/training for Broadway Bares charity performances, and rehearsing for a new show in Englewood, NJ across the street from the beautiful Lillian Booth Actors’ retirement home where my great aunt had passed away after many happy years there.
It occurred to me that instead of throwing a party for myself, I could create an event that I could share with my friends and my community that would not only benefit myself for a few hours, but would pay back the organization that had given me and my loved ones so much assistance over the years.
The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of celebrating vivacious ladies over 40, showcasing my incredibly talented friends, and generating revenue for the programs at The Actors Fund. Every time I mentioned my idea to people, the energy blossomed more and started generating quite a buzz. People started contacting me to ask if they could be involved, and after a few meetings, The Cougar Ball came into existence.”
The Cougar Ball is a force raising awareness and support for two fantastic programs that give so much to the communities they serve. It is an honor to support The Actors Fund and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.
Past Events
Fabulous. Funny. Flirty. Forty, Fifty, and Forever!
Over the years, the event has taken on different forms; part Cabaret live and intimate in New York, part Variety show virtually anywhere online, and even a wall calendar!
Meet the Team
