[LOS ANGELES, CA] September 13, 2026 — Just days into her reign as the 99th Miss America, Regan Hutsell stepped onto one of Hollywood’s most star-studded stages Sunday evening, joining television’s biggest names at The Evening Before, the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s (MPTF) annual benefit at the Pacific Design Center.
The 20th annual celebration brought together an extraordinary lineup of actors, creators, producers and entertainment industry leaders for an evening dedicated to celebrating television while giving back to the people who make the industry possible. This year’s event raised nearly $3 million in support of MPTF and its ongoing work to provide essential resources and assistance to working and retired members of the entertainment community.
For Hutsell, the evening was a particularly fitting stop during her first week as Miss America. A former Radio City Rockette and professional dancer, Hutsell has spent years immersed in the performing arts and entertainment industry. Now, just one week after earning the Miss America crown, she is stepping onto some of the biggest stages in Hollywood and connecting with the artists and storytellers who help shape American culture.
The evening was co-chaired by Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee Colbert, Janelle James and Lisa Kudrow, bringing together an impressive collection of television talent ahead of the 78th Primetime Emmy® Awards.
Beyond the glamour of the evening, the heart of The Evening Before remained its commitment to the people behind the entertainment industry. MPTF provides health and social services, temporary financial assistance, residential living and connections to community resources for members of the entertainment community in times when support is needed most.
Miss America’s appearance comes at the beginning of a year that will take her from stages and studios to communities across the country. From her career as a professional dancer to her new role as Miss America, she brings a unique perspective to the entertainment world, one that is grounded in both performance and service.
From the Miss America stage in West Palm Beach to New York Fashion Week and now the heart of Hollywood for the Emmys, Miss America is embracing every moment of her first week in the crown.
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About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.