Broadway Belts for PFF!
Thank you for joining us at Broadway Belts for PFF!
Broadway Belts for PFF!
Monday, March 9, 2026
Sony Hall - 235 W 46th Street, New York, NY
On March 9, at Sony Hall in New York City, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) held its 16th annual signature gala, Broadway Belts for PFF! This extraordinary event was hosted by Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award-winning actress and comedienne, Julie Halston.
Attendees were treated to unforgettable performances by Broadway's brightest stars, all coming together to support a vital cause. The event was also streamed live, allowing a wider audience to participate and contribute to raising funds and awareness for the over 250,000 Americans living with pulmonary fibrosis.
This year's Broadway Belts for PFF! raised a record-breaking $645,000 and counting! A special thank you to all who sponsored, raised their paddle, and gave virtually for making this milestone accomplishment possible.
Be a part of the magic!
Thank you for joining us live at Sony Hall in New York City
Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening at Sony Hall, with access to the exclusive pre-show cocktail reception, a delightful three-course seated dinner, a captivating performance, and an epic after-party.
Event schedule
5:30 p.m. – Doors open, cocktail reception begins
6:30 p.m. – Dinner is served
8:00 p.m. – The show!
9:15 p.m. – The afterparty
We hope you enjoyed streaming the show live!
For those who couldn't attend in person, the gala was streamed to include all members of the PF community. While the 2026 performance was not recorded or distributed, virtual attendees had the unique opportunity to enjoy the show from the comfort of their homes.
Thank you to our 2026 cast!
Jelani Alladin
Frozen, Hercules, TV's Fellow Travelers
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Robert Creighton
Frozen, Cagney, The Lion King
Hannah Cruz
Chess, Suffs, The Connector, Hamilton
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Danny Drewes
Pretty Woman: The Musical, films Wicked and Wicked: For Good
Daniel Emmet
American tenor and America's Got Talent finalist
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Julie Halston
Broadway’s Tootsie, Gypsy, You Can’t Take It with You, TV’s Sex and the City
Kecia Lewis
Hell's Kitchen (Tony Award Winner), Children of a Lesser God, Once on This Island
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Kelsie Watts
Broadway's Six (iHeart Radio Music Awards Nomination), TV's The Voice
Relive the magic of Broadway Belts for PFF! with our highlight reels
About Broadway Belts for PFF!
Since its inception in 2010, Broadway Belts for PFF! has grown to become the largest single fundraising event for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), raising over $3 million and counting to date. The NYC charity gala features Broadway stars performing some of their favorite songs and original pieces to raise funds to fight pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
Broadway Belts for PFF! began as a tribute to beloved Associated Press theater critic, Michael Kuchwara, after he passed away from pulmonary fibrosis. Tony Award-winning actress and comedienne, Julie Halston, was a founding partner of the event and shines as the evening's dynamic and witty hostess. Halston is a member of the PFF Board of Directors and one of the PFF's leading advocates nationwide. Ms. Halston's motivation for her work on Broadway Belts for PFF! is very personal as her husband, New York anchorman Ralph Howard, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and received a life-extending lung transplant. Howard, a generous volunteer to both the PFF and many other organizations and lover of all things New York, succumbed to complications from the disease in August 2018. In 2019, the inaugural Ralph Howard Legacy Award was presented in Howard's memory, and now annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the pulmonary fibrosis community.
Ralph Howard Legacy Award
Ralph Howard’s endless curiosity about the world and his direct and generous engagement with it inspired The Ralph Howard Legacy Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the pulmonary fibrosis community. The inaugural award was presented at Broadway Belts for PFF! in 2019 and continues to be an integral part of the event, honoring Ralph and the incredible achievements and generosity of the recipients each year.
Ralph Howard Legacy Award recipient: David Steffy
The 2026 Ralph Howard Legacy Award was presented to David Steffy. David has been an advocate in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis, a cause deeply personal to him after losing his father, uncle, and brother to the disease. Determined to make a difference, he has served on the Board of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, where he has worked with the Board to champion greater awareness, patient support, and scientific collaboration.
In addition, David has funded pioneering research at UCLA, supporting scientists dedicated to discovering new treatments with the goal of ultimately finding a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. His commitment honors his family’s legacy and brings hope to the thousands of families affected by this devastating illness. His dedication stands as both a tribute to the lives lost and a beacon of hope for the future. The PF community proudly acknowledges David Steffy's unwavering support, embodying the spirit of the Ralph Howard Legacy Award.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
Presenting
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Producer
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Leading Role
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Supporting Role
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Ensemble Member
About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
At the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels, and the stiff scar tissue itself, can cause people with pulmonary fibrosis to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising. Over 250,000 Americans are living with PF today. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and as many as 40,000 Americans die from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) each year.
As the largest organization committed to raising awareness and providing support, our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.
Contact us!
For more questions or more information, contact us at BroadwayBelts@pulmonaryfibrosis.org or 312.239.3940.