Maltz Jupiter Theatre Raises Over $650,000 at Annual Gala

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's eleventh annual gala, The Good Fortune Ball, raised over $625,000 for the not-for-profit Theatre.

Nearly four hundred guests attended the benefit and live auction, held in the Grand Ballroom at the PGA National Resort Grand Ballroom in Palm Beach Gardens. Inspired by the Theatre's production of the Tony Award®-winning musical The King and I (March 18 - April 6), the spectacular affair transported guests back to a wonderland of 19th century Siam, complete with a gilded gold dance floor, cherry blossoms, glittering tables bathed in candlelight, magnificent floral centerpieces, Siamese lanterns strung from the ceiling, splendid blush pink and purple lighting and more.

Guests in sparkling gowns and tuxedoes were greeted at the front entrance with a spectacular rousing drum performance by Thaiko drummers, as well as performances during dinner that included a traditional ribbon dancer, a dancer who trained professionally in Thailand and a glorious high-energy showcase of "Shall We Dance," featuring Babette Brown and Dmitry Nikolaev, clad in the original costumes from the Broadway revival of The King and I.

An unforgettable highlight of the evening transpired when costumed local children from the Theatre's current production of The King and Iappeared for a "procession of gifts" and presented gala honoree Roe Green with gifts of gratitude for her phenomenal support of the Theatre through the years.

A founding board member, Roe Green recently made the lead donation of $1.5 million for the Theatre's newly renovated Club Level Lounge and seating area, The Green Room (named in honor of her and The Roe Green Foundation). She sat at a special grand table reserved for her and 24 of her guests.

The exquisite evening also featured performances from students in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts and a live auction, with proceeds that provided scholarships for 33 local children to attend classes and camps the Theatre's Conservatory during the upcoming school year.

"Our biggest fundraiser of the year stayed true to the Theatre's mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring our community," said Pamela Dyar, the Theatre's associate director of development. "The gala's success is a tribute to the quality of performing arts education at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre."

Following cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, guests dined on a three-course meal, featuring a duet entrée of filet mignon and seared diver sea scallops with haricots verts. For dessert, they were served a milk chocolate and red raspberry dacquoise with custom-made fortune cookies containing messages of gratitude from the Theatre.

"It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying an unforgettable evening, and we are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support from the community," said Tricia Trimble, the Theatre's managing director. "As the largest regional theatre in Florida, we could not continue to thrive without those that contribute to the Theatre's success."

The annual event raised funds for the Theatre's award-winning productions to help keep its performances affordable for all, as well as inspiring the next generation of young audiences through the Theatre's community outreach programs. It also helped support local families by providing scholarships.

Led by gala chairmen Ellen Tschappat and Roger Berk and honorary chairman Roberta Golub, the event's underwriting producers were PNC Wealth Management and Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth. Grand benefactors included Roberta and Harvey Golub, Roe Green and the Roe Green Foundation, Peggy and Rick Katz, and Chris Kritikos. VIP Sponsors included Susan and Ross Johnson and Jane F. Napier. Platinum Sponsors included Ellen Tschappat and Roger Berk, Karen and Jerry Callaghan, Dorothy and Russell Di Giallorenzo, The Gardens Mall, Sallie and Berton E. Korman, Diane and James E. Perrella, Bebe and Joe Riccardo, Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach Gardens and Tiffany & Co.

Planning for next season's gala is already underway, set to take place Saturday, February 21, 2015; a spectacular evening for the Theatre at The Breakers Palm Beach. For additional information, call (561) 972-6124.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws nearly 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,611 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence in 2012. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.