September 2007

Summer Parties For PACE

Martin Coles, Murray Darling, George Nunes

The summer months brought more opportunities to share information about Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) with Eastside residents. As plans to build the 2,000-seat center in downtown Bellevue continue to build momentum, several PACE supporters opened their homes to share information on the project with friends.

"Jack" the dog
In July, Martin and Jenni Coles entertained 35 guests in their waterfront home on Mercer Island. The Coles' support of PACE was evident in every last detail of the decorations, including the "PACE green" outfits worn by their dogs, Roxie and Jack.
During Seafair weekend in early August, Stan and Cindy Freimuth opened their Lincoln Tower condo in downtown Bellevue
The Blue Angels
for a party that included entertainment provided by the Blue Angels. From the penthouse perch, nearly 250 guests gathered throughout the weekend to get an eye-level view of the aerial acrobatic display performed by the Blue Angels and, at the same time, were able to learn more about PACE.
Another August party was held at the Bridal Trails home of Akhtar and Alka Badshah,
Najma Lalji, Vijay Vashee
a recent addition to the PACE Board of Directors. The warm summer night was perfect for a poolside party in their outdoor courtyard. Akhtar, in his closing remarks to the nearly 40 guests, emphasized the importance of bringing world music to PACE, and thanked Executive Director John Haynes for already making plans to showcase entertainment that will appeal to the culturally diverse Eastside population.

Raj Manhas, Rana Manhas, Anu Jain

Each party provided an opportunity to share the value PACE will bring to the community. There is a growing understanding that the arts are a means to enhance our sense of place and identity as a community, to support our young people, to educate, and to entertain. PACE adds that value - a focal point, a sense of identity, a cultural heart.

Our goal is to reach out through Parties For PACE to the future audiences we will serve on the Eastside – from Renton to Mill Creek and the area east of Lake Washington to the Cascade foothills – to build support for PACE. If you are interested in hosting a party or attending one, please contact Suzanne Hutchinson, Director of Guilds at 425.462.0099.