Heather Fitzenhagen Joins Florida Rep for Fundraising Gala

Florida Repertory Theatre will host its annual fundraising gala Saturday, April 27 at the Estero Country Club at The Vines in south Fort Myers, starting at 6:30 pm. The centerpiece of the event is a vintage live radio program featuring an all-star cast of Southwest Florida's favorite local celebrities, alongside the Rep's ensemble of professional actors.

When asked why she had agreed to participate in such an entertaining and unique event, she remarked, "It's good for the community - especially the children, since the proceeds go to Florida Rep's education programs. Besides, it's fun to dress up and I'm excited to participate. Why say no?" Fitzenhagen is passionate about children's education and was impressed to learn about Florida Rep's ACT UP! Program for children on the Autism Spectrum - one of the many programs Florida Rep offers for young people in Southwest Florida. Gala organizers surprised to discover that Fitzenhagen had not acted before, given her poise and confidence in public. Aside from being in a few school plays - and not getting her longed-for Shirley Temple role - the only stage she's appeared on has been a political one.

Fitzenhagen is a fervent believer in intervening in children's lives before they take a wrong turn and feels that Florida Rep programs help provide such an opportunity. As a Board member of PACE Center for Girls, Heather has seen first-hand how vulnerable lives can be transformed through the Arts and feels that the skills the young women are taught will last a lifetime.

Heather quotes the Great American Blues Artist BB King, "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." She continues, "Thousands of kids take the gift of learning away with them from the Florida Rep every year! I am delighted to support the mission of the Florida Repertory Theatre's youth programs. From our stage to the world stage, students of Southwest Florida will be ready!"

Tickets for the Radio Daze event at The Vines are priced at $150 and include an elegant four-course dinner. Four high-end raffle items are also available and tickets for both are available by calling Allison Popieski at 239-332-4665 x 39 or at apopieski@floridarep.org. They can also be purchased through the Florida Rep box office at 239-332-4488.

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