Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare Partners Starts 20th Anniversary Celebration, 8/19

PlayhouseSquare Partners, the young professionals group at PlayhouseSquare, is beginning a year-long celebration of its 20th anniversary with a free "YP Night at Cinema at the Square" on Thursday, August 19. Northeast Ohio young professionals are invited to enjoy a pre-movie reception at 6 p.m. featuring cocktails, theater snacks and the announcement of the 20th annual Jump Back Ball theme, followed by a screening of Back to the Future at 7:30 p.m. in the Palace Theatre. Tickets are free but required, and may be requested online at playhousesquare.org/partners or by calling Molly Franz at 216-348-5265.

One of the longest-standing young professionals organizations in Northeast Ohio, PlayhouseSquare Partners was formed in 1991 by nine young men and women with a desire to support PlayhouseSquare and its historic theaters. The only young professionals group of its kind in the performing arts industry, Partners members experience theater events and more - social and fundraising events, networking opportunities and leadership development.

"Partners gives young professionals the chance to be a part of something remarkable. It offers opportunities for networking, volunteering, and leadership development all while being part of something that has such a positive impact on PlayhouseSquare, and in turn on Cleveland. It is amazing to be a part of an organization with such a rich history that enables young professionals to make a difference," stated Partners co-chair Megan McFadden.

Each year, the Partners host one of Cleveland's biggest and best parties, the Jump Back Ball. The 20th annual Jump Back Ball, scheduled for February 26, 2011, will be the culmination of the Partners 20th anniversary celebration. Funds raised by Jump Back Ball support PlayhouseSquare's not-for-profit mission. In addition, Partners make it possible for school children to take field trips to PlayhouseSquare by raising transportation dollars for the Bus Subsidy Fund. Since its inception, the Partners group has raised more than $2 million for PlayhouseSquare.

With its own board, Partners provides unique leadership development opportunities for its members, who can opt to run for elected positions and participate in Partners Leadership Society, a sub-set of the group that puts young leaders in contact with respected community leaders through networking events.

"This is where Partners really differentiates from other young professional organizations," explained Michelle Ryan Stewart, director of development at PlayhouseSquare. "Leadership development is built into the fabric of the group and is guided by some of the most respected leaders in Northeast Ohio, starting with our President and CEO, Art Falco."

"Before I joined Partners, I didn't know what I was missing; now, I can't live without PlayhouseSquare. Partners gave me a chance to work together with a group of wonderful young professionals on a cause that combined a love of downtown Cleveland, the arts, education and plain old fun. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved and truly appreciate the work of the staff, which is the best around," said Larry Hatch, PlayhouseSquare trustee and Partners 20th anniversary co-chair.

Leading Partners for its 20th anniversary year are co-chairs Kelly Kosek of Hahn Loser & Parks LLP and Megan McFadden of the Cleveland Marshall School of Law, along with vice-chairs Jennifer Smith of DOTS, LLC and Tracy Vigh of Deloitte.

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