On the Town: Fundraiser makes sure arts are for all to enjoy
For the sixth consecutive year, the Burbank Arts for All Foundation threw what has become known — and looked forward to — as one of the most festive fundraiser galas of the year at the Globe Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood this past Friday evening.
More than 400 supporters of the nonprofit foundation who promote and help fund the arts in the Burbank Unified School District were welcomed to last week’s “Party for the Arts” by the organization’s chairwoman, Carrie Brown, vice chair Bob Mohler, Executive Director Trena Pitchford and the event’s co-chairwomen, Joan McCarthy and Cathy Stevens.
Along with presenting an evening of dining, entertainment and dancing that was emceed by NBC4’s Fritz Coleman, the highlight of the event was the bestowing of a trio of awards established to honor those who have been instrumental in furthering the group’s mission.
Join the conversation on Facebook »
Accepting the Patron of the Arts Award on behalf of Woodbury University was the school’s president, David Steele-Figueredo, for the commitment it has shown to the cause.
Christine DeMore, the vocal music director at David Starr Jordan Middle School, was presented with the Arts for All Educator Award, which goes to teachers who are dedicated to enriching and furthering arts education.
Rounding out the evening’s honorees was Brenda Burroughs, who received the Champion of the Arts Award, which honors an individual or organization that provides exceptional volunteer service to the organization and its work.
Always well-attended by a broad cross-section of Burbank’s governmental representatives, business leaders, local studios and arts- and media-related companies, dignitaries out in support of the cause on Friday included state Sen. Anthony Portantino , state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes, City Council members Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy, Councilwoman-Elect Sharon Springer, former Mayors Tom Flavin, Jef Vander Borght and Marsha Ramos, and Scott Strobl, who serves as the senior vice president of operations at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Follow the Burbank Leader on Twitter »
Other notables whose attendance and support made for a successful evening included members of the Burbank Arts for All board of directors: Freddy Jarjour, Jill Vander Borght, Alexandra Helfrich, Craig Murray, Tom Vice, Barbara Beckley, Karen Broderick, Mauro Diaz, Debbie Kukta, Kevin McCarney, Lili Rossi, Carson Smith, Caroline Ross Solberg, Heidi Trotta, Karen Volpei-Gussow and Suzanne Weerts, along with board advisors Peggy Flynn and Daniel Swartz.
Since it was founded in 2006, the Burbank Arts for All foundation has provided funding to provide new musical instruments, artist-in-residency programs, professional development for teachers, workshops, auditorium and sound system upgrades, and strategic planning for numerous dance, theater, music and art productions and projects.
For more information about Burbank Arts for All, their upcoming events, or how to become a volunteer or supporter, visit burbankartsforall.org.
DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
