Arizona Broadway Theatre's 4th Annual Broadway Ball raises over $100,000

ABT's CEO / Executive Producer Kiel Klaphake
photo by Shari Corbett

from our friends at ABT:

Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT), the Valley leader in musical theatre, hosted its Fourth Annual Broadway Ball on March 4, 2017, raising more than $100,000 for the nonprofit performing arts organization.

The formal event was attended by arts-minded donors and supporters and sponsored by some of the West Valley’s leading names in philanthropic support including Season 12 and “Times Square” level event sponsor Arrowhead Cadillac and “Tony Award” level sponsor TC Schuttler. Other sponsors included the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, Arrowhead Dermatology and the Honorable Cathy Carlat, Mayor of the City of Peoria.

“It is more important than ever that we continue to raise awareness about why arts funding is so crucial. Professional arts programs benefit artists, patrons, children, and everyone in the community,” said Ellen Versen, Development Director at Arizona Broadway Theatre. “We are extremely grateful to our community partners who stepped up this year to sponsor such an exquisite event in support of the arts at ABT.”

Ball guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the theatre’s lobby followed by a three-course meal created by ABT Executive Chef Erik Angelo. Silent and live auctions, raffle opportunities and a wine pull offered friendly rivalry among guests. The live auction featured unique experiences including cooking classes in the ABT kitchen, a Disney’s Beauty and the Beast birthday party for 12 during ABT’s production of the show and a “Queen + Adam Lambert” rock ‘n’ roll experience for six. Members of the all-volunteer Broadway Ball committee, led by co-chairs Sharon Jarnagin and Michele Meewes, were on hand to welcome guests and oversee the successful event.

Kiel and Cassandra Klaphake, Producers and Co-founders of the Arizona Broadway Theatre, spoke on behalf of the organization and introduced live entertainment representative of ABT’s Mainstage and children’s programming including previews of Jesus Christ Superstar and Man of La Mancha. The evening brought attention to the impact ABT has had on residents and visitors to the Valley of the Sun for nearly 12 years as one of Arizona’s premiere performing arts destinations.

The date of the Fifth Annual Broadway Ball has been tentatively set for Saturday, March 3, 2018. For more information about ABT and The Broadway Ball, please call the ABT Development Office at (623) 707-8842 or visit azbroadway.org.