Maltz Jupiter Theatre's 2016 Gala A LOVE AFFAIR Raises Nearly $785K

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's exclusive annual gala A LOVE AFFAIR raised nearly $785,000 for the not-for-profit Theatre.

More than 400 guests attended the benefit and live auction, held at The Breakers Palm Beach. Dressed in beautiful red gowns, chairman Michele Jacobs and honorary chairman Gil Walsh greeted guests as they arrived. Inspired by the generosity of the Theatre's loyal supporters and donors through the years, the lavish affair treated guests to an evening of spectacular entertainment designed to express gratitude to those that continue to support the Theatre.

Dramatic centerpieces with floating candlelight illuminated the Venetian Ballroom, while tables were dressed in a palette of plum and blush and featured sequin-covered linens, overflowing with decadent flowers. Hearts and theatrical "XO"s adorned the ballroom to highlight the message of love and gratitude.

Guests in sparkling gowns and tuxedoes were treated to performances during dinner that included an orchestrated journey through the great love songs of past seasons, featuring stars that have previously graced the Theatre's stage. A group of 70 children from the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts tugged at heartstrings as they performed "Love Makes the World Go Round" as a mass choir.

The magnificent evening honored longtime supporter Jane F. Napier. An avid supporter since the Theatre's inception, Napier served as the very first grand benefactor of the Theatre's inaugural gala and has continued to sponsor the event ever since. She served on the Theatre's board from 2008 to 2010 and has sponsored a multitude of fundraising events through the years, given a substantial donation to the Theatre's endowment and sponsored the 2008/09 season production of Evita. She is the exclusive sponsor for the Theatre's upcoming musical The Producers in January 2017.

Following dinner, multiple Carbonell Award winner Matt Loehr serenaded Napier with a rousing performance of The Producers' "I Want to be a Producer," featuring four showgirls and a chorus of 11 dancing and singing ensemble performers - ending with a dazzling display by confetti canons. The evening also included a surprise performance for the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive Andrew Kato, who recently celebrated his 10th anniversary with the Theatre; performer Emily Gough sang "Pure Imagination" and founding board member and chairman emeritus Milton Maltz honored Kato with a speech reflecting on his contributions to the Theatre's success.

The exquisite event also featured dancing and a live auction, with proceeds that provided scholarships for 73 local children to attend classes and camps the Theatre's Conservatory during the upcoming school year.

"Our biggest fundraiser of the year stayed true to the Theatre's mission of entertaining, educating and inspiring our community," said Pamela Dyar, the Theatre's director of development. "A LOVE AFFAIR's success is a tribute to the quality of performing arts education at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre."

Following cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, guests dined like royalty on a succulent three-course meal, featuring filet mignon, South African lobster medallions and a delicious dessert of a caramel macchiato torte, praline crunch and heart coulis necklace with a white and dark chocolate stick.

"This evening celebrates and supports the many artists and educators who make our theatre great," Kato said. "As the largest regional theatre in Florida, we could not continue to thrive without those that contribute to the Theatre's success."

The annual event raised funds for the Theatre's award-winning productions to help keep its performances affordable for all, as well as inspiring the next generation of young audiences through the Theatre's community outreach programs. It also helped support local families by providing scholarships.

Sponsors included Underwriting Producers PNC Bank, Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth; Grand Benefactors Sidney and Maddie Forbes, Roe Green, Peggy and Rick Katz, Jane F. Napier; VIP Sponsors The Samuel J. and Connie M. Frankino Foundation in Honor of Michele Jacobs, The Gardens Mall, Roberta and Harvey Golub, Susan and Ross Johnson, Diane and James E. Perrella, Bebe and Joe Riccardo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens; and Platinum Sponsors Russell and Dorothy Di Giallorenzo, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Wallace A. Graham, Sallie and Berton Korman, Tamar and Milton Maltz, Joseph U. Horton and Michael G. McCafferty, Bob and Martie Sachs, The Travel Gallery.

Planning for next season's gala is already underway, set to take place Saturday, February 25, 2016; an exceptional evening for the Theatre in the brand-new ballroom at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter. For additional information, call(561) 972-6124.

The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of nearly 7,600 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

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