TUTS to Host DREAM OUT LOUD CELEBRATION, Feb 26

Dream Out Loud Celebration, benefiting Theatre Under The Stars' (TUTS) The River Performing and Visual Arts Center (The River), an arts education program that engages students of all abilities with accessible, inclusive musical theatre education, will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015. The event begins at 6:30 PM with cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres followed by a seated dinner. It all takes place at The Junior League of Houston , 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027.

The evening will feature a reception, seated dinner and both a live and silent auction. Adding to the excitement of the night, The River Performance Troupe will perform an exciting show for guests.

The Sammy Award will be presented to Cathleen Lewis and Rex Lewis-Clack for their dedication to serving, supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities. River founders Cathy and Bob Binstock named this award after their daughter, Samantha, who inspired them to create an inclusive arts program for individuals of all abilities.

EMCEE: Sunny 99.1's Dana Tyson
CHAIRMEN: Robin and Danny Klaes HONORARY
CHAIRMEN: Joan Cohen and Kerry Gerachis

Cocktail attire. Individual tickets are $300 per person. Tables of 10 start at $3,000. Sponsorship packages are available. To purchase tickets, contact Elizabeth Weiss at 713-558-2656 or Elizabethw@TUTS.com or visit TUTS.com/Celebration.

ABOUT THE RIVER:

In 1996, three-year-old Samantha wanted to take ballet, but cerebral palsy affected her walking, talking, balance and vision. No programs accepted her. Determined that no child should be denied the opportunity to participate in the richness of an arts education, Cathy Binstock, Samantha's mother, contacted arts instructors and friends and founded The River Performing and Visual Arts Center. The first class was Creative Movement for seven little girls with disabilities. Almost twenty years later, The River has served more than 18,000 children with special needs and their siblings.

With a common goal - to extend arts access to children of all abilities - TUTS merged with The River in 2010. This revered pairing of two Houston-grown non-profits broadened TUTS' educational reach into the city's special-needs community through the demonstrated expertise of The River. Whether kids are twirling or tapping, singing or stenciling, The River's year-round, barrier-free classes allow all children to delight in the drama of the performing and visual arts.