Center for Puppetry Arts to Host 2015 STRING FLING Gala This Sept

Come one, come all -- there will be Puppets for All! A magical evening of make believe and beyond, the Center for Puppetry Arts will celebrate its 21st annual String Fling Gala on Saturday, September 12 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. The black-tie-optional gala benefits the Center's arts-infused outreach programs, such as Field Trip Sponsorship, which annually provides approximately 70,000 deeply discounted and free admissions for children. As one of Atlanta's most fun charitable galas, the 2014 String Fling Gala raised more than $200,000 through generous donations and sponsorships.

This year's event, chaired by Dr. Mary Lynn Realff of Georgia Tech, is themed Puppets for All. The gala will commence with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by a seated dinner with short puppetry performances, a live auction and more! Individual tickets are $200; tables for 10 are available for $2,500 and include special recognition, as well as an exclusive invitation to opening events for the Center's new Worlds of Puppetry Museum, opening November 14.

"On the cusp of our expanded museum's grand opening this fall, String Fling celebrates the combined efforts of many individuals in providing stellar education and amazing puppetry experiences to the Atlanta community," said Realff, gala chair and Center for Puppetry Arts board member. "Without the support of our donors and the community, none of this would be possible; we are grateful and humbled by the outpour of support in helping continue the art of puppetry for generations to come."

Sponsors for the String Fling Gala include Alston & Bird LLP, Fifth Third Bank, New South Construction, PNC and Thinkwell. Guests won't want to miss out on this elegant evening of celebration that benefits the children of the community!

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities, as well as more information about the event, contact Amanda Walk at 404.881.5118 or amandawalk@puppet.org. To preview and bid on auction items or purchase tickets, visit www.bidpal.net/stringfling.

Please note: The Center's museum exhibits are currently closed for construction, as part of its expansion and renovation project. The Center will continue to present performances, workshops and films throughout the expansion; the grand opening of the new museum will be Saturday, November 14. For more details, visit puppet.org/believeinmakebelieve.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council • City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs • Georgia Council for the Arts • Zeist Foundation • The Wish Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta • PNC • The Coca-Cola Foundation • Regency Suites Hotel • WSB-TV Family 2 Family Project • YP • For a complete list of the Center's major supporters, visit www.puppet.org/about/sponsors.shtml.

Kermit and friends are getting a new home at the Center for Puppetry Arts! The nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to the art of puppetry is constructing a 7,500 square foot museum expansion. Opening on Saturday, November 14, the museum will feature objects from the Center's extensive global collection and will display the world's most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson's contributions to the world of puppetry. The project also includes a major renovation to existing spaces, including a renovated entryway, expanded research library and many other upgrades that will enhance the overall experience for all visitors to the Center. The Center will continue to present performances, workshops and films throughout the expansion and renovation process; however museum exhibits are closed until the grand opening of the new museum this fall. For more details, visit www.puppet.org/believeinmakebelieve.

Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Distance Learning and Outreach programs. Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. These programs are also supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre; Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ); and International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY).The Center also serves as headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.