The Cougar Ball        

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.  

 

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