Annual Benefit Gala

Annual Benefit Gala

Following the most challenging year in Starlight’s history, we are looking forward to celebrating the enduring power of the arts and a brighter future in 2021! Mark your calendars for:

Starlight’s 34th Annual Benefit Gala
Shine On
Saturday, October 2, 2021

As our largest fundraising event of the year, Starlight’s gala provides vital support to theatre operations, including community engagement programming, Broadway productions, and maintenance of our historic venue. Annually, these donations are applied to the areas of greatest need.

During the event, Russ Welsh will be honored with the prestigious Star Award for his contributions to Starlight and support of the Kansas City arts community. Bob Rohlf will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize the enduring legacy of his 29 years of leadership at Starlight before his retirement in 2008.

Chaired by Kelly and Joe Privitera, the evening is slated to include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the stars and a delicious multi-course dinner with live entertainment in the stage house, followed by an after-party in Starlight’s Applause Club.*

Single tickets are $375 and sponsorship levels begin at $1,500. See below for details.

* In the event that public health guidelines limit our venue capacity, an alternative gala experience is also being planned to keep our patrons and donors safe. If necessary, details will be announced at a later date.

$25,000 can enhance the Starlight grounds by funding unique features like the iconic Shirley Bush Helzberg Fountain for an entire summer season.

  • One priority table for 10 guests*
  • Recognition at the event from the stage; logo on screens and in the Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for 12 guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$15,000 is enough to fund 3 Bob Rohlf Internships, which strengthen the arts sector by providing immersive, hands-on, paid arts industry training opportunities to young professionals each summer.

  • One private table for 10 guests*
  • Recognition at the event from the stage; logo on screens and in the Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for 10 guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$10,000 can encourage future generations of performing artists with up to 10 scholarships granted through the Blue Star Awards, which recognizes students from more than 50 area high schools.

  • Eight guests*
  • Recognition at the event from the stage; logo on screens and in the Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for eight guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$6,000 can impact the lives of at least 2 middle-school students of color through Vincent Legacy Scholarships, which are awarded to applicants with demonstrated financial need to pursue performing arts training.

  • Six guests*
  • Recognition on screens at the event and in the Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for six guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$3,750 can support the recovery, well-being and happiness of some of Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents by enabling Starlight to bring Just Imagine’s interactive theatre program to 5 nonprofit host organizations.

  • Four guests*
  • Recognition in the Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for four guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$1,500 can enhance the quality of Starlight’s locally-produced Broadway productions by covering the cost of 1 stage backdrop and wigs for the entire cast.

  • Two guests*
  • Recognition in Gala program
  • Recognition in Broadway season programs and Starlight’s website for one year from the date of gift and in Starlight’s 2021 annual report
  • Access for two guests per show for 2021 Broadway donor lounge and concert lounge

Sponsor this Level

$375 can help Starlight make the arts more accessible by funding a sign language interpreter at a Broadway show or concert.

  • One guest*
  • Recognition in Gala program

Sponsor this Level

If you are unable to attend or would like to make an additional gift, you may do so here.

 

Sponsor this Level

If local health guidelines require Starlight to limit in-person event capacity, in-person attendance will generally be reserved based on sponsorship level and the order commitments are received. If necessary, an alternative at-home experience will be made available, which will include access to an abbreviated virtual program featuring key elements such as honoree recognition as well as a food and beverage experience.

For more information, please contact Megan McCranie at (816) 997-1153 or megan.mccranie@kcstarlight.com, or visit our Philanthropy Team page to contact another member of the Philanthropy team.