Starlight Gala Breaks Record

Starlight Theatre’s 29th Annual Benefit Gala, Prism: Reflecting Forward, was a record-breaking night in Starlight history.

Thanks to the support of more than 100 generous donors, Starlight raised more than $705,000, all of which will help to fund construction of Starlight’s new education building and support 11 education programs. The previous Gala fundraising record of $700,800 was set in 2005.

The 2015 Gala celebration on Sept. 26 was co-chaired by local business and civic leaders Cliff and Bonne Illig. This year’s Star Award honorees Peter and Michelle deSilva were recognized for their generous contributions to Starlight and the greater Kansas City community.

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed cocktails in the Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars, a multicourse dinner on Starlight’s Cohen Community Stage and live entertainment featuring youth who participate in Starlight’s many education programs. Gala attendees also were the first to learn of Starlight’s 2016 Broadway season lineup; the exciting “reveal” included a surprise live performance of “I’ve Decided to Marry You” by the Broadway cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The fun continued with an after-party in the Applause Club featuring music by D.J. Skeem, an espresso bar and martinis.

Mark your calendars now for the next Starlight Gala on Sept. 24, 2016, when our Gala co-chairs will be Pat and Beth McCown.

Photo by David Riffel