Great Neck Arts Center Hosts Annual Gala Fundraiser Honoring Kelli O'Hara

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Great Neck Arts Center (GNAC) hosts its annual gala fundraiser, "Stars of Broadway," on Monday November 10, at The Tilles Center at the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. The event -- which includes a VIP cocktail reception, dinner and show will generate support for GNAC's flourishing arts programs that serve thousands of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens residents each month.

This year’s Gala honors Broadway actress, Kelli O’Hara, of the mega hit "South Pacific."  Joining in the tribute will be the Broadway actors Adam Kantor of "Rent" and Wade Preston who was featured in "Movin-Out," as well as local politicians and leaders in the Long Island Arts Community. The VIP cocktail reception begins at 6:00pm.  A buffet dinner, followed by presentations and performances begins at 8:00pm.  There will be items on display to be auctioned, as well as special performances throughout the star-studded evening.

The Great Neck Arts Center Gala 2008 will not only honor and feature award-wining Broadway actors; a number of awards will be presented to distinguished honorees for their dedication to the arts on Long Island: Regina Gil, Founder & Executive Director, GNAC, receives the Visionary Award recipient; Joseph Gil, the President & Co-Founder of Akiva Gil Company, Inc., receives the Founders Award; and Congressman Gary Ackerman will be the Inspiration Award recipient. Awards will be presented by Honorable Tom DiNapoli (New York State Comptroller), Honorable Jon Kaiman (Town of North Hempstead Supervisor) and Ralph Heiman, Executive Vice President/Treasurer, GNAC.

The honorary Gala committee is led by last year’s honorees: Roger and Jerry Tilles, Edwina Sandys, Bob Gruen, and Dr. Robert and Phoebe Lewis. Co-chairs of the event are Michele & Ralph Heiman and Susan & Mark Stumer.

GNAC, a vital Long Island Institution for 15 years, is recognized as a premiere venue for art, music, drama, dance, film and literature. GNAC’s School for the Arts, an affiliate of the Kennedy Center “Partners in Education” in Washington, DC, offers classes and programs for adults and children. Students are instructed by world-class artists and teachers who utilize the latest educational strategies and tools. Funds raised at the gala will be used to support the arts center’s outreach program, which brings urgent programming to under-served schools and neighborhoods.

To find out how you can become a sponsor of the Gala, to take out a journal ad or to register, please contact Ronni Berger, Gala Coordinator, at 516-829-2570.

Photo Credit Peter James Zielinski