Arizona Coyotes Foundation Partners With Arizona Broadway Theatre To Benefit Luke Air Force Base Families

Military families, veterans, and Luke Air Force Base employees enjoyed professional theatre performances during Arizona Broadway Theatre's Season 13 thanks to a generous grant from the Arizona Coyotes Foundation. The 2017-18 grant, coordinated through the Arizona Community Foundation, made it possible for nearly 600 members of the Luke Air Force Base community to receive complimentary tickets for Broadway-style productions and children's theatre experiences at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria.

"As a nonprofit performing arts organization, ABT's ability to fulfill its charitable mission would be limited without philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, and local businesses," stated Kiel Klaphake, ABT executive producer and CEO. "Because Arizona Broadway Theatre is located in the West Valley near Luke Air Force Base, this is the perfect venue for service men and women and their families to be exposed to and impacted by professional live theatre experiences. We are very proud of our partnership with the Coyotes, and we are grateful to the Foundation for making this outreach to members of the military possible."

Throughout the year, dinner-and-show tickets were made available to service men and women for family-friendly Mainstage performances like "South Pacific," "Mary Poppins," and, most recently, "Catch Me If You Can." Luke AFB parents were also able to bring young children to Theatre for Young Audiences performances that included "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Charlotte's Web," "Jack and the Beanstalk," and "Alice in Wonderland." Traditionally, Luke Air Force Base guests are invited to meet the cast of TYA shows and have photos taken with them.

"Arizona Broadway Theatre has been an incredible partner for the Coyotes," said Olivia Matos, executive director of the Arizona Coyotes Foundation/director of community relations. "They provide access to theatre programs and performances to members of our community and military families who may not otherwise be able to enjoy these activities. It is our pleasure to help support their efforts."

In addition to sponsoring guests from Luke, the Arizona Coyotes Foundation serves as a major sponsor of Arizona Broadway Theatre's black-tie fundraiser, The Broadway Ball. The annual event raises awareness of and funds for the artistic, educational, and charitable programs at Arizona Broadway Theatre.

The Arizona Coyotes Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life throughout Arizona communities by supporting non-profit organizations that promote healthcare, education and cultural arts programs for children and service men and women. The stated mission of the Arizona Broadway Theatre is to enrich lives through the power of the performing arts by producing live theatre and other high-quality entertainment. Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. More information is available at www.azfoundation.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.