Broadway Magic, a Surprise $5 Million Gift and a Speakeasy Finish Power Hobby Center's Remarkable Houston Night
By Shelby Hodge
Published on May 4, 2026.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts hosted a remarkable gala evening, featuring a $5 million gift from the Ken and Mady Kades Foundation. The gala was held at the Sarofim Stage in Houston, with dinner, fundraising, and entertainment including Tony Award-winning singer Darren Criss. The funds will be used for new initiatives and improvements across the Hobby Center campus, including The Kades Club, a new hospitality lounge aimed at supporting and fostering community among donors and partners. The event also raised $800,000 for the Hobby Centre’s education programs, which will bring 50,000 students to the campus for free performances in the 2026-27 season.
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