Photo Flash: Valley Youth Theatre's 'VYTal Affair' Raises More Than $175K

VYTal Affair 2015, Valley Youth Theatre's annual fundraising event that took place at The Herberger Theater Center on Saturday, August 22nd has proven to be a tremendous success - raising more than $175,000 for the local non-profit youth theatre. Scroll down for photos!

More than 300 people came out to support VYT's 2015 premier fundraising event. Yetta Gibson of CBS 5 Morning News was the MC of the evening which included: cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions, musical performances by stars of VYT, star volunteer recognition, a stirring salute to the theatre from several of its alumni and the VYTality Awards presentation.

"We are blessed to be a part of such a great community," says VYT's Producing Artistic Director, Bobb Cooper. "We would not be able to exist without the generosity of those who support us. Almost everything pertaining to VYTal is 100% donated to us. The food, beverages and its service was all provided by local venders. The entire night including: the cocktail hour, the delicious hors d'oeuvres', the 150+ silent auction packages, the fabulous live auction items, the unlimited wine, beer and champagne, the fabulous after party on Stage West with tables of enticing desserts and the DJ spinning great tunes; it was all donated to VYT," continues Cooper. "I am overwhelmed and our gratitude is beyond measure for this incredible generosity."

This is the 16th year of the VYTal Affair. Each year VYT presents its VYTality award which stands for Valley Youth Theatre Applauds leadership Impacting Today's Youth. It is given to noteworthy individuals or organizations in recognition for their significant support and impact on the theatre and its purpose. This year the honorees were Gwen & Doug Parker and Gammage & Burnham, PLC. Both are avid, longtime supporters of Valley Youth Theatre and its mission.

VYT also presented its "Star Volunteer" award this year. This award was presented to Debbie Lightner. Ms. Lightner has spent countless hours in the costume shop, over the last 7 years, sewing and assembling the intricate costumes that Carol Cooper designs.

"Individuals like Gwen & Doug Parker, businesses such as Gammage & Burnham, PLC and the numerous others who support us both financially and as volunteers - they truly influence and change kids lives," says Cooper. "Yes, Valley Youth Theatre offers the opportunity to perform; but most importantly, we offer a safe, supportive, positive environment in which youth learn time management, teamwork, presentation skills and build self-esteem - these things are crucial to their futures. Our benefactors and the funds raised at the VYTal Affair are indeed vital to our operation so that we may continue to inspire children to be the best that they can be!"

Founded in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) is a professional-quality theatre company dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts. Winner of more than four dozen National Youth Arts awards, voted "Best Live Theater" on azcentral.com, heralded as "Best Place to Take a Bow" by Phoenix Magazine and rated one of the "Top Ten Places to Become a Future Star" by The Arizona Republic, VYT produces six mainstage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center.

Photo Credit: Mark Skalny

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