Ridgefield Playhouse’s Summer Gala Featuring Eight-Time Grammy Award-Winner and Blues Legend, Buddy Guy, Raised a Record $170,000
Proceeds Benefit the Playhouse’s Arts in Education Program and General Operating Support
The Ridgefield Playhouse hosted its Summer Gala on Friday, June 9th, 2023. The gala marked blues icon and 8-time Grammy Award-winner Buddy Guy’s 10th and final appearance at the Playhouse as part of his aptly named 2023 Damn Right Farewell Tour. Moreover, Summer Gala is one of the Playhouse’s biggest annual fundraisers.
This year, the gala raised a record $170,000. The fundraising efforts help support the Playhouse’s Arts in Education program, fostering creativity, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation among young minds. Additionally, funds help the Playhouse grow its team, expand its programming, and provide the community with world class facilities and performances.
“The Summer Gala is a wonderful time to reconnect with supporters while enjoying an energetic atmosphere with great music. It’s always a pleasure seeing members we have known for years while meeting new patrons. It’s important to also share where their contributions go and what we do to make a positive impact in the community,” said Ashley Paltauf, Managing Director, Operations & Development, the Ridgefield Playhouse. “This year we reached 16,000 students through our signature Arts in Education program: the most ever! As we set our sights on the upcoming season, we’re attempting 20 for 20 — 20,000 students for our 20th Arts in Education Season. The generous support we received through the Summer Gala will help us achieve that goal!”
During the 2022-2023 school year, the Arts in Education Program put on 26 performances for 168 school groups from 8 different counties in New York and Connecticut. Half of the audience members were provided tickets free of charge. We also covered busing and lunches were served to over 500 Title 1 students and teachers before their performance.
“We were very fortunate to not only have Buddy Guy headline our Summer Gala, but to be hosting his 10th and final appearance at the Playhouse as part of his 2023 Damn Right Farewell Tour,” stated Jared Shahid, Managing Director, Talent & Marketing, the Ridgefield Playhouse. “At 86 years-old, Buddy’s energy and performance are still top notch — add in special appearances during the set by guitar great, Robert Randolph, and we witnessed an unforgettable show.”
Summer Gala tickets included an evening at the Damn Right Speakeasy Gala, dinner by the bite, prohibition era cocktails, one-of-a kind auction items, and more.
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The Ridgefield Playhouse Summer Gala was made possible by our generous sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Clancy Relocation & Logistics, North American Motor Car
Platinum Sponsor: The Norwitt Family
Silver Sponsors: HMTX Industries, Deb & Dan DeClercq, Rachel & Joe Sondheimer, BeFoundation, The Stockel, Berisford & Ross Families, The Mulgrew, Emmetsberger & Shahid Families, Jill Rae Designs, Event VIP
Bronze Sponsors: Eric Diefenbach & JK Brown, Ann & Steve Carlson, Lisa & Michael Shinall and Becky & Matt Sawtelle, Security Traders Assn of CT., Ridgebury Farm & Stables
Restaurant and Beverage Sponsors: American Metal Whiskey, Bareburger, Beam Suntory, Brescome Barton , The Cake Box , Campari , Charter Oak Brewing Co., Gallo, Moet & Chandon, Pepsi , Some Things Fishy Catering, Southwest Café, Sunrise of Wilton, Tequila Escape, Vengeance Vodka, Whistle Stop Bakery
Additional Support: All Season Party Rentals, Alpha Lit, Biltong Baron, Good Hope Farm, Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, Hollandia Nurseries, KJ Lifestyles, Eddie’s Pizza and Pasta
The Ridgefield Playhouse – ridgefieldplayhouse.org – is a non-profit 503(c)(3) performing arts center. The Playhouse mission is to entertain, enrich, and educate our community and surrounding areas and to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. The Ridgefield Playhouse presents more than 200 live shows annually, plus movies, hosting more than 100,000 patrons each year.