Photo Flash: Actors' Playhouse Raises $150K at 25th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction

On Saturday, April 16, notable guests, community members and theatre supporters gathered at the historic Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables for the 25th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction presented by Actors' Playhouse and Lexus of Kendall. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Hosted by Founding Board Chairman Dr. Lawrence Stein and Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein, over 600 guests attended one of the most anticipated events on the South Florida calendar that featured an auditorium full of live and silent auction items up for bid. The evening's gourmet dining was provided by more than 30 of Coral Gables' finest restaurants, with an open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and complimentary wine and champagne courtesy of BREAKTHRU Beverage Florida. Celebrity guest auctioneer for his 25th year was South Florida's own Bob Soper, with the help of Actors' Playhouse Artistic Director David Arisco.

"We are thrilled by the generous support of our outstanding community of contributors who made the 25th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction such a memorable and successful event," said Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein. "The community shares in our vision to enrich the quality of life and economic well being of Miami-Dade County through the performing arts. We are thankful for such good friends and patrons of the arts who help us continue to shine on at the Miracle Theatre!"

The popular auction is the major fundraising event for Actors' Playhouse each year. This year's funds of $150,000 will be dedicated to youth programming and general operations of Actors' Playhouse's 2016 - 2017 Season.

Headlining this year's auction was a 2016 Lexus RX 350 one-year lease from Lexus of Kendall. Additionally, live and silent auction items included luxury cruises courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises, airfare provided by member airlines of the Star Alliance network, worldwide hotel travel courtesy of InterContinental Hotel Miami, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, golf packages, fine art, sports collectors items, spa visits and gift certificates.

The night's honorees included InterContinental Hotel Miami and General Manager Robert Hill for their 21 years of support of the Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, along with Bob Soper and Actors' Playhouse Development Manager Jerry Brown for their 25 years of dedication.

Participating restaurants included ABC Bartending School, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Bacardi U.S.A., Benihana, BREAKTHRU Beverage Florida, Café at Books & Books, Catering By Les, Catering by Lovables, CrepeMaker Inc., Edda's Cake Designs, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Häagen-Dazs, La Jolla Ballroom, MesaMar Seafood Table, Morton's Steakhouse, My Ceviche, Ortanique on the Mile, Pardos Peruvian Cuisine, Pincho Factory, Rincon Argentino, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, Seasons 52, Shula's 347 Grill, Starbucks, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, Tropical Chinese Restaurant, Uvaggio Wine Bar and Yuga Restaurant.

With the close of a successful 25th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, Actors' Playhouse is already planning next year's 26th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, which will be celebrated on April 22, 2017. For additional information on how to get involved contact the Actors' Playhouse Development Office at 305.444.9293, extension 601.

Under the stewardship of Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein, Actors' Playhouse is the nonprofit resident theatre company and managing agent of the historic Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Actors' Playhouse, which has brought home 87 regional Carbonell Awards for artistic excellence, is a Florida Presenting Cultural Organization and one of 13 major cultural institutions in Miami-Dade County. In addition to its Mainstage season, Actors' Playhouse offers a year-round season of Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, a Theatre Conservatory and Summer Camp Program, as well as educational arts outreach programs for underserved youth, and has initiated a Young Talent Big Dreams contest for children in partnership with The Children's Trust. For more, go to www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Photo Credit: Alberto Romeu