The Purple Rose Raises Over $235K With Summer Benefit

The Purple Rose Theatre Company's (PRTC) 6th annual summer benefit, the Rustic Rose, raised over $235,000 to support the theatre's 27th season and renowned educational opportunities, including the apprentice program.

The event featured a special performance, directed by PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville, that highlighted next season's plays, which will include three world premieres by playwrights Jeff Daniels (Chelsea), Carey Crim (Grosse Pointe), and Julie Marino (New York).

Hosted at Nixon Farms in Dexter on July 14, the Rustic Rose was attended by over 200 patrons. An all-inclusive Broadway package to see Jeff Daniels perform as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird sold for $32,000.

Featuring over 100 items, the auction included premium golf at Crystal Downs, a Grand Hotel Getaway on Mackinac Island, and two packages for the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, for which Jeff Daniels has received two nominations this year.

"We are thrilled by the turnout and results of our Rustic Rose event," said PRTC Managing Director Katie Hubbard. "The PRTC staff, board of directors, donors and sponsors all collaborated to make this a big success. We thank everyone who attended for believing in the magic of The Purple Rose Theatre and for supporting our 27th season and the apprentice program."

Championship auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux led the live auction and paddle raise to fund the PRTC's mission. PRTC Resident Artist Paul Stroili served as emcee.

The Rustic Rose was sponsored Chelsea Rhone LLC, Varsity Automotive Group, the Jim & Debbie Beuche Family, Chelsea State Bank, Encompass Financial LLC| | AssetMark, Inc., The Huntington National Bank, Maria Kelly and Peter Largen, Antoinette Pilzner & Daniel Moons, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard, A.R. Brouwer Company, Barbara and Jeff Duncan, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales & North Peak Brewing Co., Outliers LLC/Dan & Pat Stankey, and Rick Taylor Real Estate, Thrivent Financial, and five other Family Sponsors who contributed at the $1,000 level. Special thanks to in-kind hospitality, print and technology sponsors: Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center, Foresight Group, Print-Tech, ULitho, and UTEC for making the evening unforgettable.

About the Purple Rose Theatre Company

Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.

The PRTC also provides an apprenticeship program, performance classes, readings, lectures and tours. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association.

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