Denver Center for Performing Arts Raises a Record $1 Million to Benefit Theatre Education

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) netted a record $1 million at its annual fundraiser, Saturday Night Alive, on March 4. The 37-year-old fundraiser is a benefit for the DCPA's extensive theatre education programs, which serve more than 105,000 students each year.

In welcoming the 800 attendees, DCPA President & CEO Janice Sinden along with DCPA Education Director Allison Watrous announced a brand new Theatre for Young Audiences, which will be funded by proceeds from the evening. Set to begin in September 2017, DCPA Education will present Ezra Jack Keats' Caldecott Award-winning children's book, The Snowy Day and Other Stories, brought to life on stage. With full staging by the Tony Award-winning DCPA Theatre Company, Snowy Day will be seen by more than 18,000 PreK-2 grade children at 100 performances running September 25-November 19 in The Conservatory Theatre. Proceeds from Saturday Night Alive will be used to provide more than $100,000 in scholarships to students at Title 1 schools.

Saturday Night Alive featured Tony Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover (Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk) as well as its signature Surprise Box Sale; luxury silent auction valued at nearly $400,000; an Epicurean-catered dinner in the Seawell Grand Ballroom, and late-night desserts and dancing.

Over the past three decades, an estimated $20 million has helped the Center provide theatre programs to more than 2 million children - a testament to the volunteers, donors, sponsors and attendees who have made this event a success.

The fundraiser was driven by presenting sponsor BMW of Denver Downtown, with leadership support from United Airlines, The Salah Foundation, Colorado Oil & Gas Industry, The Westin Denver Downtown, HealthONE, Always Best Care Senior Services, Colorado State Bank and Trust, Epicurean Culinary Group, Kathie & Keith Finger, Triptyk Studios, the Tuchman Family Foundation and U.S. Bank.

Saturday Night Alive was chaired by L. Roger & Meredith Hutson, Vice Chairs Lyn & Dr. Michael Schaffer, Silent Auction Chairs Susan & Steve Struna, and Corporate Co-Chairs David Young, MD & Sylvia Young and Faye & Reginald Washington, MD.