CCE KICKS OFF “CIRCUS AT THE CENTER” WITH COCKTAIL CELEBRATION
Chairs, committee members and sponsors discuss December 6 benefit
(Palm Beach, Fla.) Artists and arts-enthusiasts gathered under the stars recently, for a special pre-party cocktail party to kick-off the “Greatest Little Party on Earth” – the Center for Creative Education’s second annual “Circus at the Center.” At the kickoff, at Trevini’s Ristorante in Palm Beach, there was excited chatter from last year’s party goers, many curious about this year’s planned theatrics. Event ringmaster and chair Bruce Helander, along with co-chairs Cheryl Gowdy and Vicki Halmos, shared details about the upcoming benefit, known for its over-the-top décor and exciting entertainment, with more than 40 VIP guests.
On Saturday, December 6, 2014 the Center’s NorthwoodVillage location will be transformed into the “Center Ring,” through the inspiration of designer extraordinaire, Bruce Sutka. This year’s event also marks the beginning of the Center for Creative Education’s 20th anniversary in the community. The fun, casual party captures the zany excitement of being a little kid under the big top. “Circus at the Center” invites guests to dress in, “circus chic,” enjoy a night of great food, live music, entertainment and dancing.
“Last year’s inaugural ‘Circus at the Center’ was a huge success,” said Helander. “But we know this year will be even better, as we have so much more to celebrate – 20 years of helping children in our local community. ‘Circus at the Center’ is fun and exciting, but most importantly it raises necessary funds for the Center for Creative Education, which serves nearly 13,000 children annually. We invite you to enjoy the exciting entertainment, including circus-themed performers, and an amazing cabaret-style performance by the cast of a Broadway-bound musical.”
This year’s featured musical is “Tuck Everlasting,” adapted from the award-winning 1975 novel by Natalie Babbitt. Under the helmsmanship of director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw (“Book of Mormon” and “Aladdin”), the world-premiere production of “Tuck” will open at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta in February 2015. Members of the cast and creative team will give Circus guests a ‘sneak peak’ at this exciting new musical during the CCE fundraiser.
The three co-chairmen, along with honorary co-chairs and mother-daughter duo Donna Long and Wendy Fritz, are leading a host committee which includes Maribel Alvarez, Carl Bartel, Harry and Gigi Benson, Beau and Jackie Breckenridge, Peter Burrus, Susie Dwinell, Camila Helander, Claudia Helander, Vicki and Chris Kellogg, Sabra Kirkpatrick, Margaret Luce, Pamela Miller, Morgan O’Connor, Pamela O’Connor, Jim Pappas, Aeyung Park de Melo, Pam Paton, Jillian Percella, Lisa Rowan, Tyler Sargent, Linda Soper, Carol Anne and John Stiglmeier, Bruce Sutka, Butch and Melinda Trucks, Michele Vogel and Lynne Wise Smith.
“We are grateful to all our chairs, along with their incredible committee, for planning such an amazing fundraiser,” said CEO, Robert Hamon. “Their efforts will ensure that the kickoff of our 20th anniversary is a huge success. Our work to educate local children through the arts is so important and we’re thrilled with the opportunity to spotlight it with this fun event. And a very special thank you to Cheryl Gowdy, longtime supporter of CCE, for generously underwriting our kickoff event.”
Sponsors for Circus include Altima International, Palm Beach Society, Wilmington Trust, Field of Greens, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Provident Jewelry.
The Center for Creative Education works with children from low income neighborhoods, using the arts as a vehicle to help them understand science, math, literacy and other areas of learning. CCE merges art with academics to bring learning to life, by engaging children in hands-on, project-based education.
Last year, CCE provided classes free of charge to 12,500 children in more than 50 school sites all over Palm BeachCounty, providing after-school and in school programming to many disadvantaged students considered “at risk.” In addition, they are hired by private and independent schools to provide arts integrated instruction.
Research shows that arts-integrated programs like those offered by the Center for Creative Education improve a child’s learning potential and academic performance; and that increases their overall enthusiasm about school. Working on projects with CCE artists also build children’s self-esteem and encourage cooperation, team-building and creative thinking.
The Center for Creative Education is a not-for-profit 501(C) (3) organization, relying on grants and donations from private individuals and community organizations to support its work with the children.
Tickets to the Circus at the Center event are $300 for individuals and $550 for a couple. Tables of 10 are available for $2,750. Tickets and sponsorships are available online now at www.cceflorida.org. For more information please call 561-805-9927.