Orlando Shakespeare Theater Raises Over $150,000 at Opening Gala

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF enjoyed much success with its 25th Anniversary Season Opening Gala, held on Sunday September 8th, 2013. The glittering evening featuRed Food and wine tastings, first-rate entertainment, and fabulous live and silent auction items. Gala ticket sales, along with additional funds collected from auctions and donations, raised a record-breaking $150,680 for the non-profit, professional Central Florida Theater.

Orlando Shakes' 2013-14 Season Opening Gala was a celebration splashed with silver and blue, commemorating the Theater's 25th Anniversary. Under a dazzling chandelier, visitors perused Silent Auction items displayed in the Dr. Phillips Patrons' Room and were the first to view the Theater's updated lobby Timeline Wall. Guests also enjoyed the atmospheric music of Jeff Rupert and the UCF Jazz Band as they sampled tastings provided by local caterers including Bubbalou's BBQ, Dexter's Restaurants of Orlando, Puff-n-Stuff Catering, Rosen Center Hotels, Rosen Shingle Creek, and Table Top Catering. Live Auction speeches included Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, UCF President John C. Hitt, and William T. Dymond, Jr., President, CEO, and Managing Partner of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. Following an exciting preview of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew set in the Wild West, party-goers were treated to complimentary desserts by Seasons 52, coffee by Barnie's Coffee Kitchen, and a champagne toast.

"Our Gala celebration was a huge benefit for Orlando Shakespeare Theater," said Jamie Mykins, Director of Donor Relations. "We're thrilled that the community has been so gracious, and are grateful for the support of the arts in Central Florida."

The 2013 Gala raised $15,912 more than the previous year in ticket sales and auction earnings alone. In addition, guests eagerly participated in a paddle raise - the first in Orlando Shakes' history - raising nearly $30,000 to be used towards the Theater for Young Audiences production of A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure.

The Season Opening Gala was made possible through the generous support of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.