Valley Youth Theatre Hosts 15th Annual Fundraiser at the Herberger Tonight

Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) will host its 15th Annual Fundraiser this evening, August 16 at the Herberger Theater Center. This catered event features silent and live auctions, community leadership awards, highlights from the original Broadway musical West Side Story and an After Party at The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

"West Side Story was part of our very first fundraiser in 2000," said Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. "We raised nearly $207,000 back then, when the economy was in our favor. Last year, we barely broke $179,000."

This year's fundraising charge is being led internally by VYT's Managing Director Bridget Costello. With help from event co-chairs Donna Catalfio and Michele Bax as well as other committee members, the goal is to raise 8-percent more than 2013. "That's why we opened VYTal Affair up to the public," said Costello. "It's still a private event, no tickets will be sold at the door, but all supporters of the arts are welcome to pre-purchase a seat to show their support."

Tickets start at $125 and offer access to live auction items valued at more than $106,000. "Our live auction includes a week's stay at a 13,000 square foot mansion on Mexico's Pacific Gold Coast," Costello added. Silent auction items, such as multiple vacation, photography and skin treatment packages, are available to bid on now at www.vyt14.auction-bid.org.

Catering will be provided by The Capital Grille, Carmella's Savory Fare, Cibo Urban Pizzeria Café, The Cumare, Hard Rock Café, Maggiano's Little Italy and Union Barrelhouse. Beverages and desserts are donated by Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Hava Java, Lumberyard Brewing Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Short Leash Rollover Doughnuts, Slade Grove, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Urbancookies and The Venue.

Local television personality Lisa Schneider-Cipriano (co-host of AZTV's Morning Scramble) will emcee the event including this year's VYTALITY Awards (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership Impacting Today's Youth); individual honorees are Tina and Justin Shafer and the corporate honoree is Bank of Arizona.

Following musical numbers from West Side Story, the live auction and paddle call, guests are invited to an after party at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for themed food and drink, music, dancing and discounted room rates to VYTal Affair ticket holders. For hotel reservations, call (602) 333-0000 on or before August 14.

Tickets to VYTal Affair start at $125 and are available to order online at www.vyt.com/vytal-affair or by calling (602) 253-8188 ext. 2 during regular business hours.

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