COLORFUL, CRAZY “CIRCUS AT THE CENTER” WOWS THE CROWD
Center for Creative Education kicks off 20 year anniversary
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) The high-flying fun never stopped at the Center for Creative Education’s second annual “Circus at the Center.” Staged at the Center’s Northwood Village home, which was transformed into a fantastical circus tent by Bruce Sutka, the action included clowns, acrobats, rocking live music and a special sneak peek of a new Broadway-bound musical. The colorful, costumed crowd had much to celebrate, as the Center celebrated two decades of serving children in Palm Beach County.
“We are so grateful to be surrounded by so many supporters tonight for our 20th anniversary kickoff!” said CEO Robert Hamon. “’Arts Integration’ is a very powerful tool which allows students who lag behind academically to catch up and for those who excel; it takes them to a new level. By raising critical funds and awareness, even more kids can be exposed to CCE’s unique instruction, which teaches kids core subjects in an engaging and inspiring format.” Mayor Jeri Muoio presented CCE with a proclamation honoring the occasion.
The Center for Creative Education uses the arts as a vehicle to teach children science, math, literacy and other areas of learning. Traditionally, CCE works with disadvantaged students at school sites all over Palm Beach County, providing after-school and in school programming to many students considered “at risk.” In addition, they are hired by private and independent schools to provide arts integrated instruction. During the cocktail hour guests were able to see projects from CCE’s recent collaboration with the Benjamin School.
They then moved into the “Center Ring” where aerialists performed from wheels and rings, jugglers juggled and Motown music by James Brown Tribute band rocked the house.
“Arts certainly took center stage at our benefit tonight,” said Bruce Helander, event ringmaster with co-chairs Cheryl Gowdy and Vicki Halmos. “Our guests were also treated to a variety of art-themed entertainment, notably the well-received cast of Tuck Everlasting. But more importantly, events such as this allow us to call attention to the important need for arts integration in our community. The Center for Creative Education served more than 12,000 children last year, and they could not have done it without private support from this community. We look forward to continuing to expand our role as we celebrate this important 20th anniversary milestone!”
Circus attendees got a rare sneak peek at songs from the new musical Tuck Everlasting, based on the best-selling novel by Natalie Babbitt, in advance of the show’s upcoming world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, known for his work on The Book of Mormon, Aladdin and more, the musical is about a young girl dreaming of adventure, when a chance encounter takes her on an exhilarating journey. Eleven-year-old newcomer Sarah Lewis wowed the crowd, teamed up with Broadway pro Andrew Keenan-Bolger.
“Tuck Everlasting was a perfect fit for our benefit,” said Hamon. “The book will cause you to think and imagine….which is what we do every day at CCE. We use all of what art has to offer to encourage students to image what they can do.”
The exciting action continued, as guests bid on a variety of exclusive auction items, including an original Bruce Helander collage – commemorating the Center’s 20th anniversary, four days and three nights at the world-renowned Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, two weeks in the Swiss Alps with Village Camps for one lucky child and an original artwork by Nadine Kalachnikoff.
The three co-chairmen, along with honorary co-chairs and mother-daughter duo Donna Long and Wendy Fritz, led a host committee which included Maribel Alvarez, Carl Bartel, Gigi and Harry Benson, Jackie and Beau Breckenridge, Peter Burrus, Susie Dwinell, Camila Helander, Claudia Helander, Vicki and Chris Kellogg, 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, Lynne Wise Smith.
Sponsors for the event included Altima International, Wilmington Trust, Field of Greens, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Provident Jewelry.
Last year, the Center worked with children in more than 50 school sites all over Palm Beach County, providing after-school and in school programming to many students considered “at risk” or those in low socio-economic circumstances. 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 builds 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. For more information please call 561-805-9927.