Cher will receive this year's Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook during a virtual gala on Oct. 3.

The award is given annually to an individual who embodies "the bold spirit, fierce independence and distinctive character of the legendary Hepburn," according to the center. This year’s virtual gala theme is "Believe" in honor of Cher’s biggest multi-platinum hit of the same name and the Kate’s belief in the future of the arts.

The 7:30 p.m. gala will stream online from www.thekate.org and is free, with donations being accepted by mail, online or text before, during and after the event.

Cher will receive a statuette in the likeness of Hepburn sculpted by artist Kimberly Monson. In addition to Cher's acceptance remarks, the gala will include an interview with Cher hosted by Ann Nyberg.

Other friends of the Kate will join the evente. There will also be items available for bidding in an online auction beginning the week before the event.

Cher is an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Kennedy Center honoree. She is also known for her humanitarian work and most recently formed CherCares, which helps supply much needed equipment to under-served communities.

She has often cited Katharine Hepburn in interviews as an inspiration throughout her career.

"Katharine Hepburn had an unbeatable combination of talent, determination, authenticity and uniqueness. I am never bored watching her movies over and over again. She keeps me company when I'm on the road," Cher said during a Turner Classic Movies interview.

The gala is the largest annual fundraiser for the Kate, which opened as a nonprofit organization in September 2009 and has grown to be an arts hub attracting more than 45,000 patrons to its 257-seat theater each year.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kate had to cancel more than 175 performances over the last six months. The Kate has recently only resumed programming with a physically-distanced Kate’s Camp for Kids and four classic films shown in August. 

For additional information, visit www.thekate.org or call (860) 510-0453.