SOPAC Gala Celebrates Local Luminaries And Honors Dionne Warwick

The South Orange Performing Arts Center will celebrate the countless contributions of community leaders Samuel M. Convissor, Dan Arrighi and Sam Joseph at its 2018 Gala, October 27, 6-11 p.m. They will be honored for their long-time philanthropy and activism that have added immeasurably to the success of SOPAC and the local community. The legendary Grammy Award-winning Judy Collins, of "Send in the Clowns" fame, will provide entertainment for gala attendees.

Another music legend and activist, South Orange resident Dionne Warwick will also be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to SOPAC and local New Jersey communities. Her impact on both the music industry and the many charities she has supported throughout the country are enormous.

Born in Newark NJ, Samuel M. Convissor is an active and well-known humanitarian and has always been involved in the not-for-profit volunteer community. He served for forty years on the Board of Trustees and as Vice Chair of the Board of the Children's Aid Society of New York City. Among his many volunteer activities, he has served as Chairman of the Board of the National Office of Social Responsibility and was an active member of various committees of the National Urban League and the United Negro College Fund. As a resident of South Orange since 1966, Mr. Convissor has served with distinction with several community groups and was President of Main Street South Orange in 1997-1999. A long-time supporter of the South Orange Performing Arts Center, Samuel Convissor has helped to underwrite a series of concerts featuring students from famed music conservatory, the Juilliard School.

Dan Arrighi retired in March 2016, after a 35-year career at Chubb Insurance Group. He was Senior Vice President responsible for Chubb's Commercial Insurance branches throughout Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Mr. Arrighi served for many years on the Board of Governors of the South Orange Performing Arts Center. He also served on the Board of Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey (CPNJ) for ten years, including 4 years as President of the Board. CPNJ serves children and adults with developmental disabilities through early Intervention programs, schools, group homes, and adult training centers.

Sam Joseph is a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) New Jersey Properties who specializes in the luxury market in South Orange, Glen Ridge, Maplewood, Montclair, and the Llewellyn Park neighborhood in West Orange. He has received numerous honors for his success, but most importantly Mr. Joseph enjoys giving back to the community. His philanthropic endeavors have included numerous beautification and public relations projects in South Orange and Glen Ridge. Mr. Joseph served on the South Orange Board of Adjustments as well as the Boards of Main Street South Orange and the South Orange Village Center Alliance for a number of years.

Mr. Joseph and Mr. Arrighi have enthusiastically underwritten a variety of performances at SOPAC.

Scintillating, soothing and sensual best describe the familiar and legendary voice of five-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick, who has become a cornerstone of American pop music and culture. Ms. Warwick's career, which celebrates over 50 years in the business, has established her as an international music icon and concert act. Over that time, she has earned 75 charted hit songs and sold over 100 million records. Always one to give back, Ms. Warwick has supported and campaigned for many causes and charities close to her heart, including AIDS, The Starlight Foundation, children's hospitals, world hunger, disaster relief and music education for which she has been recognized and honored and has raised millions of dollars.

The gala evening includes cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, strolling dinner stations, and dessert in SOPAC's famed three-story lobby, theatre and loft spaces. Honoree tributes, a Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, silent and live auctions, and entertainment by Grammy Award-winning talent Judy Collins will make the evening truly unforgettable.

General admission tickets are $300 each. Premium seats including a "Meet & Greet" with Judy Collins are $500 each. Due to an overwhelming demand for tickets, there is only a limited supply remaining. To purchase tickets, please contact Katelyn Fatzler at (973) 712-4102.

The iconic performance space, located at One SOPAC Way in the heart of South Orange Village, is a destination for gala-goers and audiences from near and far. For more information visit www.sopacnow.org/support/gala/.

To buy a journal ad, to donate an auction item, or to become a sponsor for the October 27, 2018 SOPAC Gala, please email SOPAC Gala Coordinator Shana Teitelbaum at Shana@sopacnow.org or call (917) 414-9720.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz 'N the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. American Theater Group is SOPAC's theatre company in-residence. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.

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