Second Annual Fundraising Gala a "Run-Away Hit!"

South Bend Civic Theatre’s second annual fundraising gala, Spotlight on Civic “The Impossible Dream,” took place on Friday, June 29th. The evening’s festivities rivaled last year’s inaugural efforts and surpassed them in many ways.

The evening began with a champagne reception for V.I.P. donors in the new theatre’s First Source Lobby. After a festive cocktail hour, attendees were treated to a 5 course gourmet meal superbly planned by and prepared under the supervision of Chef Don Miller. Anyone who attended this year, or last, knows that the meal, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, was worth the ticket price alone.

After dinner, guests were treated to a live performance of songs from this year’s Studio Season musical, “Zombies from the Beyond.,” Performing were Ed Ronco and Kathleen Canavan accompanied by Richard Clawson. Fittingly, Barbara Warner, for whom SBCT’s Barbara K. Warner Studio Theatre is named, then received the Wilson Philanthropic Award for her many contributions to South Bend Civic, as well as the entire South Bend Community.

It was also announced by Civic’s Executive Director, Jim Coppens, that Kelly Gallagher, Director of Development, (whose hard work and dedication made last year’s gala as well as this event such a success) was leaving South Bend Civic and being replaced by Randy Kelly. The evening ended with a “very lively” live-auction followed by dancing to the Mike Vaszari Combo.

While the actual number of guests attending this year was slightly fewer than last, we were still able to exceed last year’s total donations, thanks to incredible underwriting and community support. All proceeds, of course, will be used for South Bend Civic Theatre’s annual operating fund, which allows Civic to produce its ambitious 15 show season.