(Chelsea Update would like to thank Katie Hubbard for the information in this story.)
The Purple Rose Theatre Company’s (PRTC) ‘Starlite Ball’ on May 13 was a whimsical, “Mad Men”- themed fundraiser to support the non-profit theater’s programming and general operations.
Starlite Ball guests enjoyed delicious food and drink at the recently updated Weber’s Boutique Hotel in Ann Arbor. The evening featured Purple Rose actors dressed as 1960’s celebrities, a thrilling live auction led by Lamoreaux & Associates, and dancing to the incredible 10-person band, The Bluewater Kings.
As a final highlight, Purple Rose Resident Artists K. Edmonds and Brad Phillips joined Purple Rose Artistic Director and founder Jeff Daniels to perform with The Bluewater Kings for the last few songs of the night.
The one-night-only event was a huge success raising $225,000 for The Purple Rose through ticket sales, live auction with proxy bidding available, sponsors, and individual donations.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results of this very special evening; with such generous giving from the community, local businesses, and so many patrons who love what The Purple Rose Theatre means to their lives and the lives of so many artists,” says Managing Director Katie Hubbard in a press release.
Thank you for supporting The Purple Rose by spending the evening with us (or by proxy bidding during the live auction), as a volunteer or through your thoughtful donations. Thank you for helping us grow as an organization. Your support helps produce and stage live, world premiere theatre each season. Thank you to our marvelous Purple Rose staff, crew, designers, actors, volunteers, and their families for their tireless work. And thank you to the City of Chelsea for your endless and cherished support.
Thank you to our fantastic PRTC Director of Donor Engagement, Rob Caplis, and our amazing Donor Services Associate, Cindy Bertsos for making the evening a success. Thank you to our dedicated leaders, PRTC Founder/Artistic Director- Jeff Daniels; Artistic Associates- Lucas Daniels and Rhiannon Ragland; Managing Director- Katie Hubbard; and Director of Technical Production- Brian Dambacher.
Thank you to our Board of Directors for your guidance and trusted support.
A special thank you to our sponsors of the Starlite Ball: The Ann Feeney Family; Chelsea State Bank; Rick Taylor Realtor; Chelsea Milling Co.; Copper Crate Mercantile and Unique Rentals; Chuck & Susan Craves; John Daniels; Print-Tech; Daniel Moons & Antoinette Pilzner; Josie Wojtowicz & Randy Fotiu.
Thank you to our friends that made donations to our Starlite Live Auction:
American 1 Credit Union (Detroit Tigers 2023 Tickets); Craig Brass (Crystal Downs Golf Package); John Vinkemulder (Crystal Downs Golf Package); Chelsea Lumber Company (DeWalt Leaf Blower); Chelsea House Victorian Inn, Serendipity Books, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, Whitetail, Withington’s, Ugly Dog Distillery (The Purple Rose of Chelsea Experience); Jeff Daniels, Robert Caplis & Daniels Moons (To Kill A Mockingbird Package); Jeff Daniels (Jeff Daniels | Concert at Your Home); Steve & Sheila Hamp (Detroit Lions: VIP Ticket Package); Lume Cannabis Co. Ann Arbor (Lume Cannabis Co. Shopping Spree); David MacGregor (Playwriting Consultation); Dennis & Carolyn Shepherd (Waterloo Upholstery Gift Certificate); Spencer Ann Arbor & Ellen’s Fine Goods (Spencer at Home Wine Tasting); Ken Weber (Weber’s Boutique Hotel & Fine Dining Experience).
About The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.
The PRTC also provides classes, readings, lectures and tours. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.
For more information contact PRTC Managing Director, Katie Hubbard at (734) 433-7782 x 116, khubbard@purplerosetheatre.org.
