Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Annual Gala Raises Nearly $750,000

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's twelfth annual gala, The Dream Ball, raised nearly $750,000 for the not-for-profit Theatre.

Nearly 450 guests attended the benefit and live auction, held at The Breakers Palm Beach. Inspired by the Theatre's upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical LES MISERABLES, the lavish affair transported guests back in time to the glamour and magnificence of 19th century French aristocracy - complete with crystal candelabras and chandeliers, lush floral arrangements and dynamic performances in celebration of the evening's theme: "I Dreamed a Dream."

Collections of freeform candlelight illuminated the Venetian Ballroom, while tables were dressed in elegant linens with glorious centerpieces, golden plates and golden-rimmed goblets. Led by gala chairman Gil Walsh, the evening honored Board Member and Endowment Chairman Roberta and Harvey Golub.

Guests in sparkling gowns and tuxedoes were treated to performances during dinner that included a rousing rendition of "Masters of the Maltz," featuring cast members from LES MISERABLES performing a full song and dance set to the musical's tune Master of the House, but with personalized lyrics written to honor the Golubs. Led by the Theatre's director of education Julie Rowe, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Youth Touring Company performed an original arrangement of "Castle on a Cloud" from LES MISERABLES, and 11-year-old student Alexander Goodwin-Elam serenaded the Golubs with the tune "Where is Love" from the musical Oliver.

A board member since 2006, Roberta Golub has served as the chairman, co-chair, honorary chair and publicity chair of many of the Theatre's past gala celebrations and is actively involved with the Theatre's Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts. Her husband Harvey Golub, former CEO and chairman of American Express, serves as chairman of the Theatre's endowment board.

The exquisite evening also featured solo performances from LES MISERABLES cast members Gregg Goodbrod and Aloysius Gigl and a live auction, with proceeds that provided scholarships for 52 local children to attend classes and camps the Theatre's Conservatory during the upcoming school year.

"Our biggest fundraiser of the year stayed true to the Theatre's mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring our community," said Pamela Dyar, the Theatre's director of development. "The Dream Ball's success is a tribute to the quality of performing arts education at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre."

Following cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, guests dined like royalty on a succulent four-course meal, featuring beef wellington, a crab salad (complete with peas in a pod and marigolds), and a dessert trio of caramel salted ice cream and dark chocolates, key lime pie and fresh strawberries in a crystal praline fruit cup.

"It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying an unforgettable evening, and we are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support from the community," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director. "As the largest regional theatre in Florida, we could not continue to thrive without those that contribute to the Theatre's success."

The annual event raised funds for the Theatre's award-winning productions to help keep its performances affordable for all, as well as inspiring the next generation of young audiences through the Theatre's community outreach programs. It also helped support local families by providing scholarships.

The event's Underwriting Producers were Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth and PNC Wealth Management. Grand Benefactors included Roberta and Harvey Golub, Roe Green, Peggy and Rick Katz and Chris Kritikos. VIP Sponsors included The Gardens Mall, Susan and Ross Johnson, Jane F. Napier and Diane and James E. Perrella. Platinum Sponsors include Anderson-Moore Construction Corp., Bruce A. Beal and Frank Cunningham, Ellen Tschappat and Roger Berk, Russell and Dorothy Di Giallorenzo, Isanne and Sandy Fisher, Wallace A. Graham, Sallie and Berton Korman, Nancy Kyle and Jack Fraser, Joseph U. Horton and Michael G. McCafferty, Cathy and Andy Merson, Provident Jewelry, Bebe and Joe Riccardo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens and Kathy and Joe Savarese, Homecare America.

Planning for next season's gala is already underway, set to take place Saturday, February 20, 2016; a spectacular evening for the Theatre at The Breakers Palm Beach. For additional information, call (561) 972-6124.