A Party With Purpose

Mac and Russ Perlich welcomed 143 guests into their home Feb. 7 for the second annual Party With Purpose. The event raises awareness of Act One, whose mission is to provide arts experiences for students from Title 1 schools by taking them on educational arts fields trips. The organization was founded by the Perlichs.

After guests mingled and enjoyed food prepared by Michael Zistatsis, Alexi’s Grill and Catering, Act One board chair Lois Savage welcomed guests. Mac Perlich introduced Steven J. Tepper, dean of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, who spoke about the importance of the arts and creativity for students.

Tepper also moderated a Q & A with Laurel Farmer, Alhambra Elementary School District academic coach for the arts, and Valerie Bontrager, director of education and community engagement at The Phoenix Symphony. They shared their experiences working with students and the impact arts field trips have on students. They also stressed the vital role Act One plays by paying for tickets and, especially, covering the cost of bus transportation. Both emphasized that without Act One, these schools would not be able to give students field trip opportunities to experience the arts. Geri Wright, Act One executive director, closed the evening with an appeal for support for the organization.

PHOTOS COURTESY ACT ONE

Judd and Billie Jo Herberger; Act One board member Jennifer Bonnett and Lois Savage, board president

Betty Peterson, Margaret Walker, Lisa Greve, Liz Shabaker and Annette Musa

Speaker Valerie Bontrager from The Phoenix Symphony, Alhambra Elementary School District Assistant Superintendent Mandi Bilyou and speaker Laurel Farmer, Alhambra Elementary School District academic coach for the arts

Act One board members Karen Scherner Aldama and Kate Baker with Janis Raynak

Geri Wright, Act One executive director, and Judd Herberger

Charles and Adrienne Schiffner with Dr. Martin Bell

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