Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Recognizes Community Superstar Honorees

In keeping with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR's themes of giving and sacrifice, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is pleased to announce the recipients of its "COMMUNITY SUPERSTAR" awards.

They include:

W. ZACHARY TAYLOR, Bloomington B-TOWN-BEYOND OUR BORDERS: Taylor organized MOA event to pack over 250,000 meals to benefit FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN helping to feed nutritious meals to children and their families around the world. This young man united his community demonstrating that together, we can make a difference. In addition to his community service Zach attends school and works two jobs!

LORI PENTLAND-SWERINE, Stillwater, HOPE HOUSE of ST. CROIX VALLEY: Pentland-Swerine is committed to providing caring, comprehensive and competent care for the poor, the marginal and the wounded among us. Lori is team leader for a foster facility caring for the many needs of AIDS patients in their final months. She leads by encouraging residents and mentoring staff to ensure a genuine loving family environment.

DOROTHY FERRIAN, Minneapolis, FAIRVIEW SOUTHDALE PROJECT COMFORT QUILT: As a volunteer, this grandmother has sewn and donated 1,400 quilts for families of Fairview SouthDale Hospital ICU patients. Dorothy prays for the recipients of each quilt. No stranger to grief, Dorothy has lost a husband, two sons and three grandsons. For Dorothy, this project helps her to remember them and offers comfort to other families struggling with the loss of their loved ones.

DANIELLE LAWRENCE, Sparta, WI, A VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE: Danielle is a teacher who goes above and beyond with her students by educating them for a life of good choices and integrity. In addition, she fosters children for respite care on weekends, organizes and donates food baskets to elderly people and shut-ins at holiday times, and schedules multiple recreational social events each month for at-risk teens.

SHERRI KAUFMANN, Gaylord, FOSTER MOM TO MANY: After raising nine biological children, Kaufmann has since, as a retiree, housed and cared for hundreds of foster children and adults, many struggling with various physical and mental challenges and continues to do so. She also volunteers tirelessly at her church and in her community as a troop leader for Girl Scouts and is involved with the Eagle Scouts program. She also works full-time at a group home for adults with disabilities.

HEATHER WELLER, New York Mills, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE: Heather started this project two years ago when visiting her great uncle at a veteran's home. She kicked off an extensive letter/card/email campaign to encourage and thank active-duty soldiers and veterans. A far-reaching success, she's heard back from over 2,000 veterans in 41 states who have been touched by the hand-made cards and messages. Heather volunteers for PROJECT NEW HOPE: Providing free retreats to reintegrate soldiers and their families. At age 12, Heather is a straight "A" student; she participates in sports and 4-H, and volunteers for "Quilts of Valor."

SETH ROSENBERG, Bloomington, PROJECT FREEDOM CHAIN: Rosenberg started his charity when he was in 2nd grade. His group sends medicines and gift boxes to residents of war-torn and impoverished regions of the world. His most recent project will benefit the people of Haiti. An active 12-year-old and straight A student, Seth volunteers to revitalize bike and hike trails and tutors younger students. In his spare time, he plays baseball and loves to read.

BRENDA COLEMAN, Wayzata, VOLUNTEER PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK (PAN-CAN), PURPLERIDE TWIN CITIES: Brenda's efforts helped to raise over $325,000 to advance pancreatic cancer research, create hope and celebrate those whose lives have been affected by pancreatic cancer. She also volunteers on the board of directors for the CATHOLIC SPIRIT and brings fire and enthusiasm to her many additional volunteer projects. She is also a pancreatic cancer survivor.

RICH & LYNETTE SCHERBER, Brooklyn Park, MINNESOTA TEEN CHALLENGE: Pastor Rich and his wife Lynette direct and work at the world's largest, faith-based drug and alcohol treatment and recovery center for teens and adults. Their ministry program has radically changed thousands of lives, restoring hope to people who have found themselves in the most adverse circumstances. The Scherbers have dedicated their lives to stepping out in faith and helping others one heart at a time.

JARED BROGHAMER, Minnetrista, REBUILDING TOGETHER TWIN CITIES: Jared is a tireless volunteer, recruiter and trainer who works to ensure that families in need can live more independently in homes that are safe and warm. He currently is working to train Dunwoody students to work on home repair projects through a new partnership with the school.

CAROL BERG, Chanhassen, REZEK HOUSE ST. PAUL: A retired school teacher, Carol spends countless hours at Rezek House, a safe-house serving homeless teen mothers, where she continues to educate young people, and volunteers as a mentor and tutor serving the Hispanic and Somali communities, in the process, bridging cultures together. She is also a devoted volunteer for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

STEVE & BECKY CHEPOKAS, Chanhassen, The Miracles OF MITCH FOUNDATION: Mitch's legacy became an inspiration and led his parents, Steve and Becky to form this foundation in his memory. Since 2003, the foundation raises funds to financially assist families of young cancer patients so that they can focus on their families and enjoy life to the fullest, even when time may be short. In addition, the foundation organizes random acts of kindness to these families including Minnesota Miracle weekend getaways.

VivIan Hart, Hudson, WI, KEEP HOPE ALIVE: Vivian is currently organizing a celebration of life for cancer survivors and their caregivers, and has created a far-reaching cancer support group focusing on nutrition, when she discovered that no such group existed. She was an honorary co-chair of the HUDSON RELAY FOR LIFE, and a presenter at the 2010 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MIDWEST SUMMIT. She is also undergoing aggressive treatments for Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres sought out shining examples of local individuals who make a difference in the lives of others while asking nothing in return. The musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, written by Sir Tim Rice and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, chronicles the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus Christ spent his lifetime giving and teaching others to do the same, showing unconditional love and compassion for others, even those whom society had discarded.

In keeping with the play's theme, the theatre will honor this unique group who clearly demonstrate that theme through their personal deeds. Katie Knutson, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Director of Marketing stated, "We believe their actions will inspire others to do the same." People were asked to submit a 500-word essay explaining why their nominee was worthy of consideration. The honorees were selected by committee from a large pool of nominees. Knutson continued, "There were so many worthy candidates; making the selection a challenge. But in the end, these thirteen clearly rose to the top."

Once each week, beginning May 12, honorees will be individually honored at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Each will receive four complimentary dinner and show tickets to see JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, where they will be recognized from the stage and presented with an award commending their community service.

Knutson said, "These are everyday people. They don't necessarily want the spotlight shone on them, but those who nominated them for "Community Superstar" awards have written some very compelling essays about how the honorees have restored hope and made a difference in the lives of people - people who have struggled with sickness, or have been forgotten, injured, emotionally or physically traumatized, or in some cases, have literally been shunned by society. This is a very small, but meaningful way we can hold them up to be recognized and give their friends an opportunity to applaud them as well. Also, they are carrying out the message of Jesus Christ Superstar. It's very appropriate and we're happy to spotlight their work center stage at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres."

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

ABOUT CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES
Founded in 1968, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is the nation's largest Equity dinner theatre with multiple theatres under one roof. Over the years, more than 220 productions have graced the stages at Chanhassen, and more than 10,000,000 guests have been entertained. While Chanhassen's Main Stage features large-scale musical blockbusters, smaller theatres showcase classic straight plays, a Comedy Club and a wide variety of musical revues. For more information, visit ChanhassenDT.com.

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