May 3, 2016

Phoenix Theatre Kicks Off 2016 Applause! Gala with Cocktails, Tasty Bites and Views

Left, top: Carolyn and Craig Jackson, and Yolanda London. Bottom: McKenna Bruner, Susie Wesley, Jean Marley and Abby Traister. Right: Performer Walter Belcher.

More than 100 guests gathered April 27 to celebrate Phoenix Theatre’s Applause! Gala Cocktail Kickoff, held at one of the Cullum Homes at the Village at Mountain Shadows. The open floor plan with its lovely patio and views of Camelback Mountain accommodated the guests with ease as they toured the home, sipped drinks and enjoyed Charles Wiley’s pizza and other tasty bites from both indoor and outdoor kitchens. The Village is located on the property once occupied by the Mountain Shadows resort.

Co-chairs Jean Marley and Susie Wesley and vice chairs McKenna Bruner and Abby Traister, with the support of Kim and Rod Cullum, gave the gala a running start by garnering more than $100,000 in pledges for the Oct. 21 event.

The honorees for the 2016 gala were introduced at the event. Carolyn and Craig Jackson will be recognized with the Pope Humanitarian Award; Lynne Love and Karrin Kunasek Taylor, the Woman Who Cares Award; former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, the Man of Character Award; Janet and Larry Read, the Angels of the Art Award; and Pat McMahon, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Phoenix Theatre’s Applause! Gala offers guests a cocktail reception, plated dinner and a one-time-only performance that celebrates honorees through their favorite musical theater songs. Proceeds will support Phoenix Theatre’s work onstage as well as its education and community outreach programs.

PHOTOS COURTESY PHOENIX THEATRE