Gala
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WordPlay...enchanted evening
Date: Friday, April 4, 2008
Check back soon for the announcement of the
2009 WordPlay Gala dates and details!
On April 4, 2008 Writers' Theatre celebrated our annual WordPlay Gala with over 350 of our closest friends and supporters. The glamorous benefit celebrating the art and artists of Writers’ Theatre and championing our bright future was held at The Peninsula Chicago. The Gala was a resounding success, raising over $370,000 in support of our continued artistic ambitions.
Gala Co-Chairs Patty Becker, Christie Osmond, and Christine Pompizzi organized a thrilling evening which featured delectable cuisine, an exciting Live Auction and a rousing performance directed by Writers' Theatre favorite William Brown. The evening commenced with a cocktail reception studded with theatrical displays offering a glimpse into the work behind the theatrical magic we produce on our stages. Guests were then invited into the Grand Ballroom for a gourmet dinner with the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue creating a festive backdrop for the evening. The performance featured some of the cast from Writers’ Theatre’s acclaimed production of As You Like It. Wittily weaving together a satirical look at Writers’ Theatre’s previous and upcoming seasons, the performance was the highlight of the evening showcasing the vocal talents of Tracy Michelle Arnold, William Brown, Marcus Truschinski and Katie Jeep. The performers returned to the stage for the grand finale, a beautiful rendition of Andy Hansen’s delightful "In The Springtime" from As You Like It. Another highlight of the evening was the Raffle, featuring a 2008 Triple White Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle or $20,000 as the grand prize. To the delight of all in attendance, the winning ticket belonged to Chris Knight, Board President. He promptly returned the prize, adding to the evening’s financial success. Guests were delighted when Chicago favorite Garrett Popcorn was delivered at the end of the night as a favor.
The Writers' Theatre Board of Trustees congratulates the Gala Co-Chairs on the tremendous success of the 2008 WordPlay Gala, and extends their gratitude to everyone who helped make the evening possible. Every year, the Gala Host Committee is the driving force behind the event. By filling their tables with enthusiastic theatre supporters, the Host Committee ensures the success of the Gala. We would like to recognize the following Host Committee members:
Philip & Janice Beck
Melvin & Randy Berlin
Clay & Amy Brock
Michael & Deborah Cogan
Keith & Betsy Colburn
Scott & Becki Etzler
Mary Winton Green
Richard & Nancy Kehoe
Donald & Tricia Manhard
Suzanne Pattou
Christopher & Sara Pfaff
Irene Pritzker
William & Stephanie Sick
Avy & Marcie Stein
Gary & Chris Weitman
Shepherd & Sally YoungIt took hundreds of generous people making donations, purchasing raffle tickets and bidding on Auction packages to help Writers' Theatre exceed its Gala fundraising goals. The Board of Trustees would like to thank all those who participated in the Gala through their generous donations, including:
Gala Sponsor:
Video Sponsor:
In-kind Donations:
Alinea
An Apple a Day Catering
The Autobarn
Philip & Janice Beck
Bruce & Patty Becker
Don & Susan Belgrad
Bob & Kathy Bernstein
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
CDW
Dan & Sara Cohan
Mark & Carol Dawley
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Ellis & Gillian Goodman
The Grand Food Center
Harris Bank
Michael Halberstam
Tom & Gail Hodges
International House of Wine & Cheese
J & L Catering
Kaehler Travel Works
Bill & Molly Mahoney
Donald & Tricia Manhard
Tom & Ann Mann
Rick & Barb Melcher
David & Leslie McGranahan
Bob & Lorel McMillan
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Mark & Christie Osmond
The Peninsula Chicago
Michael & Christine Pope
Mike & Debbie Richwine
John & Phyllis Russell
David & Kelly Ryan
James & Joan Sears
Stan & Jodi Slovin
Sony Pictures
Mary Pat Studdert
Suits 20/20
Ultra Diamond
Urban Oasis Spa
Rachel Weinstein & Jason Pizer
Roger & Pam Phillips Weston
Pam Zdunek & Clifford Sladnick
