An Evening That Changes Everything.
4th Annual San AnTony Awards — October 1, 2026 | The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
This is not a typical gala.
There are no stiff speeches, no half-hearted auction paddles, no wondering why you came. What there is: a room full of San Antonio's most passionate community leaders, a stage at one of the country's premier performing arts venues, and seniors — our seniors — performing with the kind of abandon that only comes from having truly nothing to prove.
The San AnTony Awards is the annual celebration of Seniors in Play's mission, our participants, and the people who make it all possible. Hosted by our founder Tony Plana, the evening honors extraordinary individuals whose commitment to community mirrors our own — and raises the funds that keep our programs free, expansive, and growing.
Your table is an act of love. It keeps a stage lit for someone who needs it.
2026 Honorees
This year, we celebrate two men whose lives are testaments to what it means to show up — for your city, for your craft, for the people who are watching.
Henry Cisneros
Henry Cisneros has spent a lifetime building things that last. As Mayor of San Antonio and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, he helped reshape how this country thinks about cities, housing, and who deserves to thrive in both. He is a son of San Antonio in the fullest sense — shaped by it, and forever shaping it in return. We are honored to recognize his legacy of service, vision, and civic courage.
Nicholas Gonzalez
Nicholas Gonzalez — beloved for his roles on The Good Doctor and La Brea — receives the inaugural Bill Gundry Artistic Legacy Award, named for the San Antonio theater visionary whose belief in the power of story helped lay the foundation for Seniors in Play. A Texas native, Stanford graduate, and committed storyteller, Nicholas embodies what this award stands for: using art not to escape life, but to illuminate it.
Discovering Joy, Sharing Stories, Building Community
"Seven years ago, I watched a woman named Gloria walk into her first acting class convinced she had nothing to offer. Three weeks later, she was commanding the room. I've seen that happen dozens of times since. That's what your investment does. It doesn't just support a program — it hands someone back to themselves. I hope you'll be in that room with us on October 1st."
— Tony Plana, Founder
We are profoundly grateful to the partners who understand that investing in older adults is investing in all of us.
Director Sponsors
Screen Writer Sponsors
Lead Actor Sponsors
Supporting Actor Sponsors
Become a sponsor! Contact Nora Sophia, NSophia@artsinplay.org or 970-333-1042
Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Gala Donors
Relive the Magic: Highlights from Last Year’s San AnTony Awards!
Take a look at the unforgettable moments from last year’s San AnTony Awards! From heartfelt performances and inspiring stories to joyful celebrations, the event showcased the remarkable creativity and connection fostered through Seniors in Play. The smiles, laughter, and standing ovations captured in these photos highlight the transformative power of the performing arts for our senior community. We invite you to join us this year to create even more incredible memories!