Celebrating Our ENORE! at the 36th Annual Benefit Gala!

On Saturday, October 14, a sold-out crowd of more than 475 attendees gathered at Starlight to celebrate the performing arts and their impact at our 36^th Annual Benefit Gala: ENCORE!

Chaired by Aviva Ajmera & Wayne Strickland, Nancy Whitworth & Doug Ballou, and Carey & Tom Wilkins, this year’s event exceeded fundraising goals, raising more than $650,000 thanks to the generosity of sponsors, ticketholders, and donors. Each year, funds raised through the Gala enable Starlight to impact the lives of 30,000 residents through education and community engagement programs, bring world-class Broadway productions and concerts to more than 320,000 patrons, and sustain this cultural landmark for generations to come.

Dressed in formal attire, Gala attendees enjoyed a red-carpet reception, sponsored by Monarch, in the Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars. A delicious dinner and entertainment followed, sponsored by JE Dunn Construction, on the Jeanette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage. The program featured 22 talented performing artists, including nine Vincent Legacy Scholars and a dozen performers from previous Starlight productions who returned to our stage for their “encore”.

Star Award Recognition

After being introduced by KC native, national celebrity, and Vincent Legacy Scholar Alumnus Kalen Allen, Greg and Rebecca Reid were presented with the 2023 Star Award in recognition for their ongoing support of Kansas City’s youth and the immeasurable impact of the Vincent Legacy Scholarship program. Attendees raised more than $16,000 to support the program during the Gala, the equivalent of six Vincent Legacy Scholarships.

Guests enjoyed a performance by Vincent Legacy Scholars and Alumni, featuring vocals by Lauren Howard and dance by Courtney Germany. Lauren and Courtney were joined by Ashlynn Hampton, James Hawkins, Elliana Hishaw, Brielle Jefferson, Sav Jordan, Chamberlain Webster, and Garrett Webster II.

Performance by Vincent Legacy Scholars and Alumni during 2023 Gala

Greg and Rebecca Reid receive the 2023 Star Award.

The after party included cast members from past productions of *Legally Blonde*, *Hairspray*, and *Godspell*.

The formal program also included a sneak-peek announcement of Uniquely KC, Starlight’s capital campaign. The campaign, publicly announced on Monday, October 16, aims to raise $40 million to support new community engagement programming and capital/building improvements.

The night ended on a celebratory note with an after party, sponsored by Concord, consisting of live music by The Crossroad Sound and dancing in the Applause Club.