Metropolis Gala raises more than $113,000 for programs
Excitement buzzed through the air of the 2012 Metropolis Gala from the moment the more than 250 guests entered Rolling Green Country Club through the close of the silent auction tables.
Presentations began with board President Phil Collins passing his ceremonial gavel to incoming President Joseph Lynn.
Metropolis School of the Performing Arts’ adult improv ensemble performed a hilarious set, and Executive Director Charlie Beck recognized the Gala sponsors, table captains and all who made the event possible, followed by a glimpse into the future plans of Metropolis.
As dinner was served, the auctioneers from Sayre & Jones orchestrated a live auction that featured trips, private dinners and a chance to meet rocker Bret Michaels and win his autographed guitar.
A Fund-A-Cause appeal allowed guests to make a donation directly to a fund to help purchase a new piano for Metropolis’ Music School and to refurbish the current stage piano.
Following a moving performance from 9-year-old pianist and Metropolis student Emma Davenport, guests contributed more than $13,000 to fund this cause. The evening was topped off with socializing and dancing to the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra amid a flurry of last-minute activity at the silent auction tables.
This fundraiser brought in more than $113,000 for Metropolis’ theatrical and arts education programs.
Ticket sales and tuition fees alone do not cover the costs of operating a thriving performing arts center. Metropolis special events, like the Gala fundraiser, help keep ticket prices affordable and tuition costs low in the performing arts school.
Funds from our special events also help Metropolis bring the arts into the community through our Outreach programs.
Metropolis’ 2012 Gala was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Drost Kivlahan McMahon and O’Connor LLC, Northwest Community Healthcare, Wells Fargo Advisors, Accurate Component Sales Inc., James J. Bertucci CFP, Pfingsten Partners, Cornerstone National Bank and Trust Company, FPM LLC, Nu-Way Transportation, and Quality Die Casting.
Metropolis is in downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St. For details and a list of upcoming shows, visit MetropolisArts.com or call (847) 577-2121.