To the editor:
The Whidbey Children’s Theater would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons who enjoyed this year’s rendition of our annual fundraising event, “Gotta Sing Gotta Dance.” There were lively performances on Friday and Sunday on the Martha Murphy Mainstage. Saturday’s performance was preceded by dinners served in private homes and an auction at the theater.
The “Raise the Paddle for Scholarship” raised $4,650 for scholarships, which helps us fulfill our mission of turning away no student who wants to be a part of our programs. There was another $14,000 raised from donations and ticketing. Thank you to Cynthia and Erl Bangston for sponsoring our event, helping to cover expenses and make this a true “fund raiser.” We are grateful for the generous support.
The list is long for all those who put in so much effort to make this event a success.
Producer of the Razzle Dazzle Revue was Betty Lightner. The cast of adult friends of WCT were Joni Takanikos, Betsy Arand, Martha Murphy, Jim Lightner, Debbie Elwell, Jim Scullin, Rob Mellish, Ryan Saenz , Frank O’Brochta, Barton Cole and Glenn Woodbury.
This year there were WCT student performers in the cast. They included Sommer Harris, Max Cole Takanikos, Amy Arand, Rachel Arand, Alyssa Woodbury, David Woodbury and Hanna Mack.
Jessica Foley and Jordan Knight provided musical accompaniment and Keith Mack was emcee extraordinaire. We also were treated to a great performance given by Carol Lloyd, Graham Vanderwood and Margot Bee of Island Dance. Many assisted Betty with choreography.
Saturday evening dinner hosts and hostesses were Jan and Dick Beall, Margaret Anderson and Bob Wolters, Larry and Nancy Neubauer, Richard Epstein and Christine Nyburg, Molly and Dave Shoup and Norman and Barbara Walker. We thank them for opening their homes and providing delicious meals. A special thanks to Maggie Korvin of Ovations for the cooking demonstration given at the Anderson, Wolters’ dinner and to Laurel Davis of Second Street Wines for the wine tasting she provided at the Walkers’ home.
The hard-working auction committee tallied bids and made sure everyone got their bid winning prizes. The committee was lead by Claire Creighton. She was assisted by Kathy Hable, Mr. and Mrs. Holm, and Aljean Muncey. Dessert was served at Saturday’s intermission by Elka Bloom and Cindy Fresen and house manager for the evening Linda O’Brochta.
Yes the list is long and they all gave so much to make our event a success.
We now go forward with our holiday production “Cinderella” featuring our middle and high school students.
The board of directors and the event committee wish to extend our thanks to all who worked and all who came to share the evening with us at WCT.
Verna Lawsen
Event chairman
