Act One Guild's Sixth Annual Candlelight Dinner Raises Thousands for PACE
Contact:
Linda Bonomi, PACE, 425.462.0092, 
Cheryl Engstrom, for PACE, 425.487.0682, 
BELLEVUE, WA (Nov. 13, 2009) – Nearly 400 enthusiastic guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and dancing, to Portland-based band Pink Martini's internationally renowned, cosmopolitan music, at the 2009 Candlelight Dinner – A Toast to PACE: An Evening With Pink Martini. Held November 7th in the Hyatt Regency Bellevue's new Grand Ballroom, the event raised nearly $350,000 to benefit Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE), which will feature a 2,000-seat Concert Hall and 250-seat Cabaret dedicated to presenting live performances by the finest regional, national, and international artists.
The first Candlelight Dinner was organized in 2003 by the Act One Guild for PACE. Composed of nearly 40 women, the Guild is dedicated to raising money and public awareness in support of the $160 million Campaign For PACE, which includes a goal of $150 million for the capital project and $10 million for a permanent endowment. The Candlelight Dinner is the Guild's annual signature event and has become an Eastside favorite for those who enjoy the glamour and glitz of a gala evening.
The evening raises funds through sponsorships and ticket sales, and also provides an opportunity for guests to direct donations at the event to a special Fund-A-Need. This year, the Guild chose to fund the Cabaret Audio and Lighting Equipment Package. "The PACE Cabaret is a smaller, more intimate performance space that seats a maximum of 250 people," according to John Haynes, executive director and CEO. "It will be a casual nightclub environment, offering high-quality cultural experiences in a setting that's attractive to young people. The Cabaret will be a venue where the performing arts can be enjoyed in a unique, hip, social-networking environment. PACE is designing a cultural venue with two distinctly different stages – the Concert Hall and the Cabaret. It gives us the ability to offer diverse and sophisticated community experiences, ranging from a black-tie night at the opera to Indian classical dance to an evening rendezvous with friends at a blues club."
The Fund-A-Need opened with a three-minute video that introduced the nearly 50 people working to ensure that PACE is shovel-ready by summer 2010. The bidding commenced with a $25,000 challenge gift by event sponsor Patty Edwards, a prominent Eastside resident and generous patron of both the visual and performing arts. This is the second year in a row in which Ms. Edwards has provided the lead gift for the Candlelight Dinner Fund-A-Need. "Getting PACE built is one of my top priorities." said Ms. Edwards. "I really look forward to the day when PACE opens its doors. Only then will we be able to see our favorite artists, whether touring superstars, living legends, or regional performing groups, live and on stage in Bellevue." Emcee and Fund-A-Need auctioneer for the event, Patti Payne, reporter and columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal, expertly rallied the guests to raise their bid cards. Ms. Edward's challenge was immediately matched by Betty and Kemper Freeman, Jr., co-chairs for the Campaign For PACE, with their pledge of an additional $25,000.
Adding to the excitement, Chad Mackay, owner of the Northwest's legendary El Gaucho Restaurants surprised everyone by announcing that he would give a $100 gift certificate for the new Bellevue El Gaucho to guests who made a donation of the same amount to the Fund-A-Need. The result was nearly $140,000 raised for the Cabaret Package.
Joining Patty Edwards in sponsoring the evening were Microsoft and Tiffany & Co., represented by Brad Smith, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Microsoft, and John Hepler, Director of the Bellevue Tiffany & Co., who both serve on the PACE Board of Directors as well. The event was also heavily supported by a number of table sponsors, including the following contributors at the $10,000 level or above: Kemper Development Company, Lytle Enterprises/The Bellettini, Nordstrom, Pfeiffer Partners Architects, and Rowley Properties.
"In a few short years, the dream we've all worked so hard to achieve will become a reality," said Sue Sherwood, co-chair of the event and Act One Guild member. "With this event, the Guild has transitioned to showcasing the performing arts, featuring artists who will one day perform at PACE for the enjoyment of Eastside audiences." Serving with Ms. Sherwood were co-chairs Nancy Walker and Melanie Bruch, Vice-President of the Guild.
"Pink Martini was the perfect group of artists to introduce at the 2009 Candlelight Dinner. We wanted our audience to experience what's in store for them when PACE opens its doors," said John Haynes. "The dance floor, packed throughout the performance, was proof that we made the right choice with this amazing orchestra. Their music provided something for everyone, thrilling long-time fans and making new ones. Pink Martini is a timeless, unclassifiable, sophisticated little band."
"The Act One Guild has achieved an important benchmark with this event – in our sixth year, we have now provided over $1 million to support the Campaign For PACE. Our love for the performing arts has been exemplified through these Candlelight Dinners," said Act One Guild President Molly Sears. "Soon, the Eastside will have a world-class venue for the lively arts that will become the cultural heart of our region."
About Performing Arts Center Eastside:
With a 2,000-seat Concert Hall and 250-seat Cabaret, Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) will bring renowned musicians, dancers, actors, and entertainers to Puget Sound audiences. Its mission is to enrich cultural life with a wide diversity of live entertainment, arts, and education. PACE will stimulate the arts region-wide, attract new audiences, heighten arts awareness and education, provide a performance home for select area arts organizations, and serve as a cultural center for the Eastside. PACE will be located in downtown Bellevue on the corner of NE 10th Street and 106th Avenue NE. The Campaign For PACE has raised over $32 million to date.