A Standing Ovation for Our Dedicated Volunteers
Guests who visit Starlight Theatre frequently comment on the exemplary customer service they receive while here. A big part of that outstanding service is delivered by many passionate, hard-working Starlight Ambassadors (volunteers) who interact with the public and assist behind the scenes.
To applaud our volunteers’ efforts, Starlight leaders and staff hosted the annual Ambassador Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Nov. 13. This year’s event celebrated the contributions of 201 individuals who volunteered at Starlight from October 2016 through September 2017. Together, they assisted at five indoor shows, 50 nights of summer Broadway shows and 20 concert dates, as well as special events and assorted other duties. They amassed a total of 8,848 hours of volunteer service, a 7.5-percent increase from 2016.
“The Starlight calendar seems to get busier every year, and we rely heavily on our volunteers to assist in so many ways,” said Nick Riojas, Starlight operations manager. “From ushering guests to their seats to hosting cast parties, planting flowers, giving tours and everything in between, Starlight Ambassadors are essential members of our team. We wouldn’t be able to exceed the expectations of our guests, performers and students without them!”
At the November event, Ambassadors enjoyed a buffet dinner, mingled with friends and Starlight staff, and took home door prizes. Riojas, along with operations vice president Justin White and Starlight president/CEO Rich Baker, welcomed the Ambassadors and their guests and shared our theatre’s appreciation for their service.
Awards were presented to top performers. Individual honorees were:
Don Woodson Award
Cindy Cox
This is the highest honor presented annually. The award memorializes the late Don Woodson, who served Starlight as a dedicated volunteer from 1993 until his death in 2007.
Jeff DeMarco
Lucy Garcia
Bradley Hayob
Carol Rowe
Ambassador of the Year Winner
Lucy Garcia
Avery Bell
Ann Muehlebach
Golden Shovel Award
(Horticulture award)
Kathy Burke Thomas
Amy Adams
Joe Arri
William Becker
Avery Bell
Cindy Cox
Angela DeMarco
Jeff DeMarco
Ashley Goeller
Joseph Hannel
Bradley Hayob
Michael Lathrop
Barb Manning
Joe Mortallaro
Susan Simmons
Mark Sims
Brian Tunks
Kimberly Wilson
Kristen Winn
Nancy Woolworth
Carol Birkel
Michael Birkel
Shannon Boranyan
Joseph Hannel
Roxanne Jensen
Sarah Peterson-Herr
Henry Tharp
Concert Usher Shining Stars
Anne Anderson
Loretta Baker
Cindy Cox
Jamie Curry
Bernadette Fitzpatrick
Tom Otey
Kent Richards
Carol Rowe
Becky Shouse
Tracy Simons
Carlene Tresnak
Marie Ward
Melissa Weston
Amy Brown
Anja Clasberg
Dan Fitzmaurice
Jennifer Gilbert
Jan Naylor
Michele Noble
Carol Rowe
Katrina Taggart
Marie Ward
Special Events
Janice Beydler
Lucy Garcia
Jan Morevitska
Lee Morevitska
Jan Naylor
VaLinda Novak
Kathy Parrott
Joy Weekly
Tyler Weekly
Brent Whitesell
Spotlight Stage Shining Stars
Lucy Garcia
Ann Muehlebach
Joanne Muren
Joe Arri
Jennifer Gilbert
Ronda Goodwin
Barb Manning
Julie Muehlebach
Darold Niemeier
Kay Niemeier
Carol Petrus
Kathy Burke Thomas
Jim Turner
Venue Tours Shining Stars
Victoria Becker
Carol Birkel
Paul Burchett
Tammy Debrick
Missy Debrick
Lori Fletcher
Donna Gage
Lisa Johnson
Craig Layman
Amy Martin
Ann Muehlebach
VaLinda Novak
Kathy Parrott
Caitlin Perkins
Diane Salisbury
Loxie Stock
Jim Wilson
Nancy Yendez
Several Ambassadors also were recognized for milestone years of service to Starlight:
- 5-Year Pins: Amy Brown, Bradley Hayob, Kathy Hemme, Kylie Hemme, Lisa Johnson, Lucille Kottwitz, Karen Kulig, Stuart Lebow, Jeff Newhard, Jo Ann O’Brien, Kathy Parrott, Kim Sheek, Loxie Stock, Marcia Wassenberg
- 10-Year Pins: Lauri Buck, Ellie Dunsmore, Laura Muren, Lawrence Parish, Susan Parish
- 30-Year Pin: Nedra Salisbury
To learn more about the Starlight Ambassador program and volunteer opportunities for 2018, visit our web page, view our Ambassador recruitment video, email ambassadors@kcstarlight.com or call 816.997.1163.