'One Great Party' Brings in a Record-Breaking $580K to Support Cal Shakes' Work Onstage, in Classrooms, and in Communities

San Francisco's elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel, its ballroom transformed into a vision of nature saturated with vibrant, electric colors, provided the dramatic setting for California Shakespeare Theater's 18th annual gala, One Great Party, on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Led by Gala Chair Jean Simpson, and Honorary Co-Chairs Ann and Gordon Getty and Helen and John Meyer, the event was the most successful in Cal Shakes history, grossing more than $580,000 and welcoming 400 attendees.

"We are deeply moved by the incredible support demonstrated this past Saturday night by so many individuals and corporations," commented Managing Director Susie Falk. "Thanks to the funds generated at One Great Party, Cal Shakes will be able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals throughout the Bay Area, increasing access to the arts and arts education. The impact of this one evening will be felt all year long."

Video displays of costumed actors Danny Scheie, Stacy Ross, Catherine Castellanos, Margo Hall, and Omoze Idehenre, among others, welcomed and entertained guests as they mingled, wined, and bid on an array of silent auction items. The lively crowd engaged in a number of good-natured bidding wars for one-of-a-kind packages including luxurious getaways to Stinson Beach and Carmel, a football signed by legendary 49s quarterback Joe Montana, a private tour of Mark Twain's personal papers and vault at UC Berkeley, powered parachute rides, a chance to sit in on a live broadcast of KQED's "Forum," and a pair of framed original costume sketches by costume designer Anna Oliver from Jonathan Moscone's 2012 production of The Tempest.

Following the cocktail hour with spirits courtesy of Stockholm Krystal Vodka, the 400 party-goers joined Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone and Managing Director Susie Falk in ballroom to dine on Artichoke Ravioli, Parmesan Broth, Iacopi Farms White Beans and Edible Flowers; Wild Organic Mushroom-Stuffed Jidori Chicken Breast, Marin Roots Farm Kale, Full Belly Farm Fingerling Potatoes, and Roasted Garlic Jus; and a choice of Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cake or Blood Orange Crémeux, Madeline Sponge with Citrus Compote for dessert.

Expanding on the evening's theme of "Everyone's Theater", Jonathan Moscone's inspiring speech was followed by a short video of Cal Shakes' actors, teaching artists, classroom teachers, and community partners sharing vivid stories of Cal Shakes' impact in the community, which set the stage for a rousing live auction. Led by auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Quiroga, guests bid enthusiastically and generously on exclusive packages, including: trips to Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Ashland, and London; a walk-on role in Cal Shakes' upcoming production of Lady Windermere's Fan; a behind-the-scenes tour of Pixar Studios; a private screening of West Side Story for 50 at Meyer Sound's state-of-the-art West Berkeley headquarters paired with a VIP lunch with Maria herself, Oscar-, Tony-, and Emmy-award winner Rita Moreno; and a visit with Cal Shakes' conservatory alum Zendaya (and Dancing with the Stars contestant) on the set of her hit Disney series, Shake It Up!. Finally, guests packed the dance floor and boogied into the night to the sounds of DJ Teeko.

The evening was made possible in part through the generosity of Corporate Partners Archer Norris, Baker Ave, Blueprint Studios, City National Bank, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP, John Muir Health, J.P. Morgan Securities, Meyer Sound, Peet's Coffee & Tea, PwC, The Safeway Foundation, San Francisco Magazine, Stockholm Krystal Vodka, and United Airlines.