IMAGINATION STAGE'S ANNUAL GALA

Saturday, October 13, 2007
7:30 PM Curtain

Imagination Stage’s Gala will feature an original performance in the Lerner Family Theatre, highlighting alumni of Imagination Stage and the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (our original name).  Celebrate the power of the creative spirit to change the world as the beat goes on from generation to generation, and see how our alumni take what they have learned here and continue to enrich their lives and their communities. 

We are very pleased that The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, will be our Honorary Chair.  The Speaker plans to attend the Pre-show VIP Reception.

Maureen McGovern, Broadway actress, Grammy-nominated and Academy Award-winning recording artist will take the stage to accept The Imagination Award for her philanthropic work.  Maureen's current releases, Help is On the Way (in partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids) and Works of Heart, launched the Maureen McGovern "Works of Heart" Foundation for Music and Healing. Her career, which spans nearly 35 years, includes recordings, concerts, Broadway, theater, films, television, radio and composing. Her recording career began with "The Morning After" from The Poseidon Adventure,  a #1 chart topping, Academy Award winning Gold Record for which she received a "Best New Artist" Grammy nomination.  Maureen is a co-creator of the children’s musical The Bengal Tiger’s Ball.  (http://www.maureenmcgovern.com) 

The performance will also feature alumni from all walks of life, appearing in person or through the magic of digital media.  Imagination Stage’s education programs teach theatre skills that are also important life skills, such as collaboration, active listening and self-discipline.  Alumni from many fields, such as educational software, neurology, teaching, physical therapy, college administration and writing will participate.  BAPA and Imagination Stage are also well represented in professional film, television, and theatre. Alumnus Mo Rocca  is a satirist, writer and actor, best known for his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's popular satirical news program, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.  Currently he contributes satirical commentary for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and CBS News Sunday Morning; he is also performing on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. http://news.aol.com/newsbloggers/bloggers/mo-rocca

There will also be a raffle for a beautiful diamond circle necklace with 18kt white gold by Georgio Visconti, provided by Charleston Alexander; raffle tickets are $50 each.  The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at the Gala - you do not need to be present to win. 

A lavish reception will follow the performance, generously donated by Ridgewells Caterer.http://www.ridgewells.com.  Dress: black tie optional. 

How to participate in the Gala and support Imagination Stage:

• Sponsorships begin at $1,000. Deadline for sponsors to be included in the Gala souvenir program is September 21, 2007.
• Single tickets are $250 and will go on sale after Labor Day.
• Raffle tickets are $50 each and are not included with a Gala sponsorship or ticket.

To become a sponsor or purchase a ticket, download the sponsorship/ticket form then fax or mail the completed form with your payment. For more information, contact Barbara Rollins at 301-280-1625 or brollins@imaginationstage.org.

GALA COMMITTEE **

Honorary Chair: The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
Gala Chairs: Theo Hayes, Amber Hsu, Mary Kane

Peter Abrahams
Marilyn Bagel
Lisa and Rollin Bell*
Michelle and Avi Benaim
Cathy S. Bernard
David T. Blair
Patrice and Scott Brickman
Bryn and Ray Briscuso
Erin and Thomas Buckingham
Kristin and Eric Burka
Jennifer and David Chow
Jake and Tom Collamore
Trisha and Neil Cullen
Ann and John Davis*
Suzanne and Tim Davis
Helen and Robert George
Ellen and Paul Greene
Rebecca and Richard Kay
Doree and Brendan Keating
Anna and Mark Kessler
Doro and Bobby Koch
Mary Ann and Edward Krause
Susan Lacz
Kimberly and Joseph Lutz
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Lynham, Jr.
Anita and Haniel Lynn
Tina Martin and Mita Schaffer
Alisa and Brady Ramminger
Celeste and Mark Richardson
Sally R. Romansky
Margo and Michael Sadow
Mari Snyder
Melissa and Frank Williams
Janelle Lorenz Wright

*2006 Gala Co-Chairs
**As of August 6, 2007

CORPORATE SPONSORS **

American Service Center
     and Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria
     and Avi, Deenie, and Joel Adler
Art & Negative
Bethesda Magazine
COMCAST
DC Magazine
EagleBank
FBR Capital Markets
Fidelity & Trust Bank
First Financial Services, Inc./Ms. Jennifer Landgraff
Heyman Mailing Services
Marriott International, Inc.
Martin-Schaffer, Inc.
Money Mailer, Inc.
Office Movers, Inc.
Ridgewells Caterer
Stephanie Reimers/Design Concept Presentations
Sachs Capital
Transwestern
Unipark Valet and Parking Services

**As of August 6, 2007   

Annual Gala 2006

Annual Gala 2005