Raue Center Celebrates the Arts with Successful Stargazers Ball

Raue Center For The Arts is proud to announce the success of their largest annual fundraiser!

Stargazers Ball, Raue Center's annual black-tie gala fundraiser, was held November 18, 2016 at the beautiful Bull Valley Golf Club. Attendees danced the night away in support of the arts and raised funds for the operational needs of Raue Center programs.

"The event kicks off our annual fundraising season which will last through January 15," says Executive Director, Richard Kuranda. "We are off to a great start and this year we have an outstanding opportunity with a 1 to 1 matching grant of $50,000. We hope that others will join us in supporting this great center!"

Raue Center would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of Stargazers Ball. This year's glamorous fundraiser was made possible through the generous support of INTREN. For over 25 years, INTREN has been an innovative solution partner, dedicated to building and maintaining the infrastructure of the energy industry. INTREN has also contributed generously to the regional and local arts in northern Illinois.

Raue Center would also like to thank corporate sponsors Eisenmann, Northwest Herald, Sage Products, Miller Verchota, Inc., Countryside Flower Shop, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Hagg Press and McHenry County Living for their support of Stargazers Ball.

The evening was filled with delectable food, amazing cocktails, dancing and music provided by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos. The fundraiser also featured the presentation of the Bill Dwyer Award. Raue Center was thrilled to honor Paula Dorion-Gray, Matthew Turk and Chuck Stevens with the Bill Dwyer Award in honor of their vast contributions in creating a space where arts can flourish.

"The businesses and individuals of McHenry County should be proud of their commitment to the Raue Center and their embracement of the Mission Imagination and Sage Studio children's programs," says Bill Dwyer Award recipient, Matthew Turk. "The Stargazers Ball was a joyous celebration of their continued support for the arts. Their overwhelming generosity to this community is truly what makes Crystal Lake 'A Great Place to Live.'"

Stargazers Ball, which was attended by Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley and Lakewood Village President Erin Smith, also featured an exciting auction. Items featured in the auction included Chicago Cubs memorabilia, such as a framed and hand-signed photograph of Anthony Rizzo with a no-hitter inscription and "The Bowels of Wrigley" framed blueprint and patch with a detailed nameplate. Several exciting vacation opportunities were also hot tickets, including an extravagant Napa Valley Trip, won by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schmiel.

The auction also featured exciting Mystery Boxes! The Family Fun Mystery Box included over $3,500 worth of merchandise and gift certificates for the whole family, including four passes to Shedd Aquarium, six passes to Brookfield Zoo, a $25 Algonquin Commons gift card and more! The His & Hers Mystery Box included over $2000 worth of merchandise and gift certificates perfect for date night or gifting opportunities, including a Lynfred Winery wine tasting and tour for 10 adults, tickets to a Chicago Wolves game, a Starbucks Verisimo System and more!

Raue Center is truly grateful for the amazing support of all the businesses, organizations, individuals and Senator Althoff, who donated a beautiful basket. These generous contributions helped to make Stargazers Ball a truly successful event. For more information on Raue Center programming, please visit rauecenter.org.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 15 years, they have provided quality programming - striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional Showcase Theatre named for its benefactor-Lucile Raue-Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region's citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

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