Gammage gala kicks off fundraising efforts for 50th anniversary

On Oct. 13, nearly 300 guests gathered on stage at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright designed performing arts center, ASU Gammage, to celebrate its first-ever gala. The Golden Gammage Gala (GO GAGA) was a chance for ASU Gammage supporters – old and new – to come together for a grand fête to celebrate ASU Gammage’s profound cultural and economic impact throughout the state. This event was the first of three major social events planned leading up to the Golden Anniversary in 2014.

GO GAGA attendees included many members of ASU Gammage's 50th Anniversary Leadership Board including co-chairs Leslie and Jeff Rich of Scottsdale, Mary Way (co-chair) and Bill Way of Paradise Valley, William Ahearn of Phoenix, Jerry Appell of Phoenix, JO Finks of Phoenix, Fernand Fernandez of Chandler, Grady Gammage, Jr. of Phoenix, Laurie and Chuck Goldstein of Paradise Valley, Albert Leffler of Phoenix and Doreen and Michael Manning of Paradise Valley. Other members of the ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Leadership Board are Steve Maun of Paradise Valley and Sarah Nolan of Winnetka, IL.

The red-carpet worthy event whisked guests to the Big Apple away with a New York City theme where they were greeted with a red-carpet lined entry with paparazzi. As guests entered the landmark  venue they enjoyed roasted chestnuts, gourmet hot dogs and glam-ified New York City street food during the cocktail hour.

Entertainers for the evening included ASU Gammage’s first-ever artist-in-residence Daniel Bernard Roumain, a remarkable young musician/composer and Broadway veteran David Burnham who serenaded guests with some of Broadway’s biggest hits.

Guests then dined onstage with dinner provided by Michael’s Catering and edible centerpieces adorned the tables made by the Art Institute of Phoenix. The centerpieces were cakes and other baked items that also served as dessert and were Broadway themed.

“We are thrilled to have successfully completed our first Gala, enormous thanks to our event chair Leslie Rich. With Leslie’s leadership this event was a true success,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU Gammage executive director.