Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Annual Gala Raises $608,000

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's exclusive annual gala The Disco Ball raised nearly $608,000 for the not-for-profit Theatre and its Conservatory.

More than 415 guests attended the spectacular benefit and live auction, held on Saturday, February 2, at The Breakers Palm Beach. Inspired by the Theatre's musical Mamma Mia!, the luxurious affair was hosted by Honorary Chairs Brett and Rocky Langbert and honored staff members who have changed the lives of countless children and teens in the community: the Theatre's director of education Julie Rowe and the faculty of the Theatre's Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Guests in glittering gowns and tuxedoes were treated to an enthralling and heartfelt multimedia tribute to Rowe and her faculty that featured high-energy performances by more than 100 children, many of whom are current students at the Conservatory and youth performers from the Theatre's Professional Training Program. Backed by a 20-piece orchestra, several Conservatory alumni were flown in from other states to perform as a surprise tribute to their former mentors.

A historic ballroom bathed in candlelight illuminated the celebration, while sequined tables dressed in a dramatic palette of silver, hot pink, light pink, white and purple highlighted whimsical disco ball centerpieces and cascading roses that set the stage for a sumptuous three-course dinner. In true '70s style, a costumed 'disco ball' danced and grooved on a platform during the cocktail hour. The exquisite event also featured dancing and a live auction, with proceeds that will provide programs and scholarship opportunities for local children to attend classes and camps at the Conservatory during the upcoming school year and more.

"We feel so honored to have had such a tremendous outpouring of love for Julie Rowe and our Conservatory faculty at our gala," said Andrew Kato, producing artistic director and chief executive. "Our not-for-profit theatre and school wouldn't be here without its generous supporters, and we are continually strengthened by the wonderful enthusiasm our supporters bring. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing attention given by our friends and donors."

The Theatre's annual gala raises 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. More than 25 percent of students receive scholarships each year.

Located on the Theatre's property in Jupiter, the Conservatory is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of year round classes, the unique connection to the Theatre allows for exclusive hands-on workshops and master classes that offer students an opportunity to learn from nationally-known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. With state-of-the-art dance, voice and acting studios, the Conservatory is also home to the Theatre's Professional Training Program, a two-year certificate program designed to train young actors for a career in theatre, musical theatre, film and television. The Conservatory draws more than 600 students per year from as far as Miami, Wellington and Fort Pierce.

Sponsors for The Disco Ball included Underwriting Producers PNC Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth; Grand Benefactors Peggy and Rick Katz and Milton and Tamar Maltz; Diamond Sponsors Roe Green and The Roe Green Foundation, Jane Napier, Diane and James Perella, Martie and Bob Sachs and Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens; Platinum Sponsors Joan and Richard Barovick, Ellen Tshappat and Roger Berk, The Clark Family Private Foundation, Mary Ellen and Dermot Healey, Sallie and Berton E. Korman, Robert and Ellen Lehrer and the Schacknow Family Foundation, Inc.; Gold sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Allen, The Bebe Foundation, Susan and John Damon, The Tux Shop; Sharon and Carl Domino, Mr. Denis Doyle, Don Ephraim and Maxine Marks for the Donald M. Ephraim Foundation, Linda and Stephen Epstein, The Gardens Mall, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Priscilla Heublein, Dr. James Howenstine, Northern Trust and Barbara and Peter Sidel; Silver Sponsors Anonymous, Barbara Dana Brylawski, Christopher and Jennifer Harris, Anderson-Moore Construction Corp., George and Barbara Palmer Kramer, Mr. Naj Pervez and Mrs. Emily Tannen Pervez and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Trotman, Jr.; Underwriting Sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Derbes and Christina and James Embrescia; Underwriters Mr. and Mrs. Donald Chudacoff, John and Melinda Geberth, Irene Goodkind, Ann Grimm, Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. O'Neill, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Ritchie and Christina, Dr. Delight and Dulcinea Thompson; Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated.

Planning for next season's gala is currently underway. To become a sponsor or for additional information, contact development events and special projects manager Christina Rynasko at crynasko@jupitertheatre.org or (561) 972-6150.

Photo by Jason Nuttle Photography

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