MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’S
28th Annual Starlight Ball
A NIGHT IN
GLAMour & Glitz on the red carpet Friday, November 13th, 2026 THE PARK SAVOY ESTATE FLORHAM PARK NJ
HONORING
Harry and MaxiNe riskin STARLIGHT AWARD
JOHN T CUNNINGHAM AWARD
WELCOME TO THE STARLIGHT BALL Welcome to MPAC’s 28th Annual Starlight Ball, “A Night in New York: Glamour and Glitz on the Red Carpet!” We are delighted to celebrate this special evening with you as we honor extraordinary supporters and raise vital funds for MPAC’s arts education programs. Tonight, we proudly recognize Harry and Maxine Riskin with the Starlight Award for their exceptional generosity, leadership, and longstanding dedication to MPAC. Harry’s 12 years of service on our Board of Trustees, together with their unwavering commitment as patrons and philanthropists, have helped shape MPAC into the thriving cultural institution it is today. We are equally pleased to honor Verizon with the John T. Cunningham Award in recognition of its valued partnership since 2015. By generously providing parking for MPAC performances and special events, Verizon has enhanced the patron experience while generating important revenue that directly supports our mission. Our heartfelt thanks go to our Diamond, Gold, and Star Sponsors, our dedicated Starlight Ball Co-Chairs, Committee members, and staff for making this wonderful evening possible. We also extend special appreciation to our talented Performing Arts Company, part of the Jacobs Performing Arts School at MPAC, for sharing their artistry with us tonight. Most importantly, thank you for your generosity and commitment to MPAC. Your support opens doors for thousands of young people to experience the transformative power of the performing arts, helping us inspire creativity, build confidence, and enrich lives throughout our community. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and New York glamour! Warm regards,
Allison Larena President & CEO
Gregory Supron Chairman, Board of Trustees
Starlight Ball
SPONSORS DIAMOND
Bud and Sudy Mayo Mary Jane Robertson and Jock Clark
Paragano Family Foundation GOLD Bruce I. Jacobs & Kenneth N. Levy
Charles Meizoso, Jr. & Brian E. Keating
Ed and Cathy Ahart
Jason and Katalin Albert
The Hyland Family
Karen and Jeff Kirby
Paula and Bill Marino
Harry and Maxine Riskin
Wendy and Greg Supron
Starlight Ball
SPONSORS STAR
Katherine and Joe Brucchieri
Mary and David Cobb
Ann and Art Corwin
Joe and Jeanne Goryeb
Elizabeth Mattson
Nancy and Howard Moseson
Paul and Christine Scheele UNDERWRITERS
Lynn and Mitch Baumeister
Ginger Brennan and Romas Radvila
Judy and Jim Pohlman
Avis Victor
MUSIC PROVIDED BY
RAFFLE PRIZE
A NIGHT IN NEW YORK CITY Featuring: • Round-trip transportation to New York City and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé • $600 TodayTix.com gift card towards a Broadway, Off-Broadway or other live event in NYC • $350 gift card to Keens Steakhouse in the theatre district Generously donated by: The Starlight Ball Committee, My Limo and Keens Steakhouse
Many thanks to each of our committee members for their time, dedication and enthusiastic support in making the Starlight Ball a success.
2026 STARLIGHT BALL COMMITTEE Co-Chairs Janet DeMeo | Anne Mayo Ferrante | Charlie Meizoso, Jr. Barbara Andriso • Mary Cobb • Matthew Coakley • Kate Conger Linda Couch • Christine DiCesare • Ayesha Rashid Failey Adam M. Greene • Samantha Greene • Patricia Grushkin • Jennifer Harmon Marcia Hunter • Tess Lewis • Frank Maher • Danielle C. Malloy • Marylyn McLaughlin Dawn Mistry • Nirav Mistry • Nancy Moseson • Don Panetta • Tammy Panetta Katie Parker • Blake Putnam • Harry Riskin • Maxine Riskin Mary Jane Robertson • Marisa Towers • Lisa Wallburg Marysue DePaola, VP and Chief Philanthropy Officer Justin Wynn, Director of Development Lana Missaggia, Senior Manager, Membership & Special Events Emily Vehmas, Development Manager Kyla Renegar, Development Assistant Rebecca Horner, Capital Campaign Assistant
PROGRAM President’s Welcome Allison Larena President & CEO
Presentation of Awards Gregory Supron Chairman of the Board of Trustees John T. Cunningham Award Verizon Starlight Award Harry and Maxine Riskin
Performance Performing Arts Company Part of the Jacobs Performing Arts School at MPAC
Live Fund-A-Need Supporting MPAC’s education programs CK Swett Co-Founder, International Auctioneer, Lot 1 Auctioneers
Raffle Drawing 10:00 pm Silent Auction Closes Pick-up begins at 10:15 pm
Dancing to the Atomic Funk Project Until 11:00 pm
2026 Starlight Ball Mayo Performing Arts Center is grateful to all those who purchased individual tickets and made donations to tonight’s event. INDIVIDUAL TICKET BUYERS Ken and Susan Adler Samantha Alexander Steven Alexander Dr. and Mr. Charles Edward and David Sareth Binkley-Kemp Susan Borkowski Jon and Joan Brody Katherine and Joseph Brucchieri Janet and Robert Cole, MD Vanessa Collins Mr. and Mrs. William Conger Cristina A. DeFazio Prins Janet DeMeo and Gary Bobko Rob and Kelly Eccles / Rutgers University Betsy and Bob Fiebach Caren Frankel and Jory Magidson Arlene Freeman Steve and Wendi Goldstein Richard and Lisa Gorda Annie Gruenberger Sarah F. Harris Ed and Andy Hauschild Eugene and Liz Huang
Marcia and Peter Hunter IATSE Local 632 In Thyme Food Service, LLC Irving B. Kahn Foundation, Inc. Rosemarie Kolb Herbert Korn Matt and Agi Krauser Lewis L. Krieger Lauren and Ken Lantigua Larena Construction Mr. Stuart Lasser and Ms. Tracey Ibsen David and Tess Lewis Mr. Lawrence B. Litwin, Esq. Jim and Danielle Malloy Dr. Michael and Helene Marcello Steven and Laura Matlin Shikha and Ken Mayer Lauren McKirdy Maria Moser Meister Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP My Limo Harry and Maxine Riskin Mr. and Mrs. Scott Parker Peapack Private Bank and Trust
Robert and Janice Pierce Dennis Rinzler and Susan Jarblum Dr. and Mrs. Lee Rosenbaum Andria and Kenneth Rosenberg Wendy Sabin Will Samay Linda Schlenger Pam Schlenger Floyd Shapiro Anita J. Siegel Rick and Susan Sinay Benjamin D. Sirota and Erica Ottenberg Mr. and Mrs. Frederic J. Sirota Deborah Farrar Starker and Dr. Isaac Starker Ken and Diane Stephens Calvin Teich Janice Marturano and Peter Thompson Nancy and David Weil Tom and Bonnie Welsh David and Lisa Welsh Lori and Rich Wilson
DONATIONS Ed and Cathy Ahart Beth and Gregg Benson Holly and Larry Blumenstyk Katherine and Joseph Brucchieri Mark and Frankie Busch Linda Root and Dr. Larry J. Cohen Ann and Art Corwin Mary Fernandez and Adam Buchsbaum Andrea Gagliardi
Elizabeth Mattson Nick and Marta Pascarella Doris J. Pollack Richard Polton Nancy Schlenger and Julie Adell Gary and Shary Skoloff Richard Simon and Thu Thai Lisa and Peter Wallburg Lois and Donald Witmondt
TRIBUTE LISTING Harold Finkelstein Linda and Marshall Gates Kathleen and John Hendricks
Paul and Connie Rosenberg Bennett and Debbie Schwartz Floyd Shapiro As of 10/26/2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center recognizes and thanks our previous Starlight Ball honorees. 2025 Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation, Starlight Award Lisa and Peter Wallburg, John T. Cunningham Award 2024 Mary Jane Robertson and Jock Clark, Starlight Award 2023 ADP, Starlight Award Wendy Aresty, John T. Cunningham Award 2022
Trend Motors, Starlight Award
2019 Unjeria C. Jackson, Starlight Award 2018 Joseph M. Goryeb, Starlight Award 2017 Private Advisor Group, Starlight Award 2016 Morristown Medical Center, Starlight Award 2015
Neil and Lois Gagnon, Starlight Award Jacobs Levy Equity Management, John T. Cunningham Award
2014
John and Margaret Post, Starlight Award Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, John T. Cunningham Award
2013
Lord Abbett, Starlight Award Eileen and N. Larry Paragano Sr., John T. Cunningham Award
2012 RBC Wealth Management, Starlight Award Linda and Jay Hellstrom, Conductor’s Award 2011
Patti and David Aresty, Starlight Award John T. Cunningham, Conductor’s Award
2010 Robert J. McCann, CEO, UBS Wealth Management Americas, Starlight Award 2009 William J. Marino, President and CEO, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Starlight Award 2008 Bud Mayo, Starlight Award 2007
The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Starlight Award
2006 Brian Giovinazzi, President and CEO, First Morris Bank and Trust, Starlight Award 2005 Alyce Tregenza, Starlight Award 2004 Laryssa Krupa and Alexander Slobodyanik, Starlight Award 2003 Steve Wiley, Starlight Award 2002 Fred Hafer, JCP&L, A First Energy Company, Starlight Award 2001 The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Starlight Award 2000 Thomas and Theresa Wajnert, Starlight Award 1999 Fred and Walker Kirby, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Starlight Award
THE STARLIGHT AWARD Maxine and Harry Riskin For more than five decades, Harry and Maxine Riskin have shared a deep commitment to education, community service, philanthropy, and the arts. Married since 1972, they have built a life rooted in family, service, and a belief in the transformative power of education and the arts. They are the proud parents of their son, David, who is a partner in the law firm of Williams and Connelly in Washington, D.C. Harry is a distinguished New Jersey attorney whose legal career spans more than 60 years. A graduate of Rutgers College and Boston University School of Law, he co-founded McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, P.C. in 1967 and has dedicated his practice to representing New Jersey property owners in eminent domain and real property tax matters. His distinguished public service includes serving as Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, Special Counsel to the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and Trustee of the Morris County Bar Association. An accomplished author and lecturer, Harry co-authored New Jersey Condemnation Practice, the standard New Jersey treatise on eminent domain. He has been recognized as a New Jersey Monthly Top Lawyer and Super Lawyer and has served Rutgers University in leadership roles on the President’s Council Executive Committee and Dean’s Advisory Council. With a passion for Morristown equal to Passaic where he grew up, Harry’s dedication to MPAC has been profound. He served for 12 years on MPAC’s Board of Trustees and continues to serve on the Building Committee where he has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s vision for expansion and development. Maxine (Max) has devoted her professional life to education, student development, and community service. After earning her degree in education, she spent many years as a classroom teacher before creating and leading an innovative student volunteer program that empowered young people to engage in meaningful service throughout the community. Her work forged lasting partnerships between schools and local organizations while encouraging students to embrace leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility. Together, Harry and Max have been steadfast supporters of MPAC as donors and Starlight Members, sharing a belief in the importance of ensuring that arts and cultural experiences remain accessible to the community.
JOHN T. CUNNINGHAM AWARD
Verizon is a valued community partner whose commitment to innovation, connectivity, and local empowerment extends well beyond technology. Through its resources and dedication to social responsibility, Verizon helps strengthen neighborhoods, support the arts, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. Since 2015, Verizon has been an invaluable community partner to Mayo Performing Arts Center, helping address one of our greatest ongoing challenges: patron parking. Through access to Verizon’s lot, MPAC has been able to offer thousands of theatergoers a convenient and accessible parking option, enhancing their experience from the moment they arrive. Their tremendous partnership also allows MPAC to generate parking revenue which is reinvested into our mission-based programs and operations. MPAC is proud to honor Verizon with the 2026 John T. Cunningham Award in recognition of its longstanding partnership, generosity, and commitment to the cultural vitality of our community. We are deeply grateful for Verizon’s continued support and for the role it plays in helping MPAC bring people together through the arts. Accepting the Award on Verizon’s behalf is Matt Coakley, Senior Vice President of Mobility Growth & Content at Verizon. Having previously served as Market President of Atlantic North and Vice President of Growth Marketing & Demand Generation, Mr. Coakley brings a depth of strategic vision and community commitment to his work having served the communities of Northern New Jersey in various ways. MPAC is grateful for the commitment that he continues to provide to our organization.
MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Board of Trustees Gregory J. Supron Chairman
Elizabeth A. Mattson Vice Chair
Mary Jane Robertson Treasurer
Anita J. Siegel, Esq.
Secretary & Legal Counsel
Allison Larena
President & CEO
Edward W. Ahart, Esq. Jason Albert Susan Brauer Katherine Brucchieri Brenda Cioce Mary E. Cobb Art Corwin Simone Craig Kevin Dunphy Edward A. Gramigna, Jr. Thomas C. Jardim, Esq. Ken Lantigua Kristin Lynn Howard Moseson Nikki Sumpter Trustees Emeriti Joseph M. Goryeb, Chairman Emeritus Bud Mayo, Chairman Emeritus Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey.
Mayo Performing Arts Center gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and businesses for their generous donations to this evening’s Silent Auction. 40 North Restaurant Group Acupuncture Center of New Jersey
Fluid - Pilates, Barre, Sculpt Studio
Morristown Game Vault
Flyway Charters
New York Giants Football
The Address
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
AEG Presents
Glassworks
Ed and Cathy Ahart
The Grand Café
Aires Jewelers
Adam and Samantha Greene
Alstede Farms
Trish and Orren Grushkin
Amanti Vino and Sharon Sevrens
In Thyme Catered Events
Anne Katherine Creative LLC Atlantic Health The Atlas Upgrade Bach to Rock Denville Basking Ridge Country Club Bistro 73 Brenda Cioce Mary and David Cobb Bill and Kate Conger Coniglio’s Old Fashioned Dain Shoppe Dano’s Dangerous Tequila Dante’s Ristorante Janet DeMeo and Gary Bobko Denville Dairy DePasquale the Spa El Monte Coffee Roasters Enjou Chocolat Express Frames
Infiniti Fitness J.A Morey Artisan Chocolate JT’s Confections Kee Concept and Design Keens Steakhouse Steve and Beena Levy Dave and Tess Lewis
My Limousine Service Nirvana Wellness Institute Osteria Morini P.G Ruskin & Company, LLC Katie and Scott Parker Pavesi Pelican Sports Center Pomodoro Family Pizzeria and Restaurant Portofino’s Ristorante Blake and Sumner Putnam Randolph Diner Harry and Maxine Riskin
Longwood Gardens
Mary Jane Robertson and Jock Clark
Lounge Hair Studio
Rose & Fig
Lunar Locks Curl Specialty Salon
Sage Nails
The Madison Hotel Mayo Performing Arts Center McCarter Theatre Center Charles Meizoso Jr. The Meltique Mendham Golf Club Mendham Jewelers Merzatta MetLife Stadium
Salon Botanique Eco-Chic Serene Beauty Concept Sette Cucina Italiana Starlight Ball Committee Square Luggage Strand Tennis Wendy and Greg Supron Trend Motors Ltd TSUKI Japanese Restaurant
Colin Failey MD and The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery
The Michael Kohner Corporation
Two River Theater
Dawn and Nirav Mistry
Verizon
Fiorino Ristorante
Morris Animal Inn
X-Golf Denville
Brianne Valentino
As of 10/28/2026
Atlantic Health is Honored to Support Mayo Performing Arts Center’s 28th Annual Starlight Ball.
We extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s exceptional honorees for their remarkable contributions to the arts and our community.
atlantichealth.org
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
Lord Abbett is a proud sponsor of the
28th Annual Starlight Ball We applaud the Mayo Performing Arts Center for its ongoing contributions to the cultural life of the Morristown community.
lordabbett.com
Ed and Cathy Ahart and MPAC thanks the are Performing Arts Schenck Price Company Proud to Sponsor for its performance this year’s at tonight’s MPAC Gala Starlight Ball
Florham Park Sparta Paramus New York www.spsk.com 973-539-1000
Upcoming Events at MPAC November 2026 11/19 11/20 11/21 11/22 11/25 11/27 11/28 11/29
10,000 Maniacs Three Dog Night #IMOMSOHARD: The Crashing Out Tour Judy Collins – Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: Farewell Manhattan Comedy Night A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase following a screening of National Lampoonʼs Christmas Vacation
December 2026 12/3 12/4 12/5 12/11-27
Engelbert Humperdinck Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays Jeremy Jordan New Jersey Balletʼs The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony
January 2027 1/7 1/8 1/9 1/15-16 1/22 1/23 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/30 1/31
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Bernadette Peters Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed! Waitress Manhattan Comedy Night Magical Mystery Doors –Beatles, Zeppelin, Doors Tribute Cirque Alice A Heart-Pumping Evening with Reed Timmer Kathleen Madigan: Flying Cats Tour Reza: Edge of Illusion Pinkalicious
February 2027 2/4 2/6-7 2/12 2/13 2/14 2/19 2/20 2/26 2/27
Revisiting Creedence Mystic Pizza: A New Musical Step Afrika! Feast a da Funny: Italian-American Comedy Night The Cab Calloway Orchestra Brian Stokes Mitchell Dog Man: The Musical B.B. and Me: When Love Comes to Town Grand Shanghai Circus
March 2027 3/5-6 3/6-7 3/10 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14 3/15 3/18 3/19 3/20 3/25
Guest Attraction: New Jersey Ballet presents: Beyond Boundaries Guest Attraction: New Jersey Ballet presents: Once Upon A Time Wynonna Judd Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones The Celtic Angels Manhattan Comedy Night Kodo: Luminance The Drew Forum presents: Mike Francesa & Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Piano Battle New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Pirates of Penzance Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy Disenchanted!
April 2027 4/1 4/4
The Moth “Take Me Home”: The Music of John Denver starring Jim Curry
4/9 4/10-11 4/16 4/17 4/18 4/22 4/23 4/27 4/30
An Evening with Audra McDonald The Whoʼs Tommy Jon Lovitz Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis The Lettermen and The Four Freshmen Pilobolus: Trips The Orchestra, starring former members of ELO and ELO Part II The Drew Forum presents: Frank Bruni & Bret Stephens Paula Poundstone
May 2027 5/1 5/8 5/21 5/22
The Fab Four: A Hard Dayʼs Night John Pizzarelli with Swing 7 in “Dear Mr. Bennett” Leonid & Friends Vic DiBitetto
Schedule subject to change. More shows to be added!
M YL I MO.C OM
GLENMEDE PROUDLY CONGRATULATES
Harry & Maxine,
Starlight Award Honorees, for Your Dedication to the Arts and Service to the Community Get to know Glenmede
Contact Elizabeth Walsh at 609-430-3124 or Elizabeth.Walsh@Glenmede.com
glenmede.com
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
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CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE HONOREES Harry and Maxine Riskin Starlight Award
Verizon John T. Cunningham Award
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MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
to the
Mayo Performing Arts Center’s 28th Annual Starlight Ball and join in honoring our good friends,
Harry and Maxine Riskin and the other award winners
on this well-deserved recognition m
The Welsh Family Tom and Bonnie + David and Lisa
Congratulations, Max and Harry! Jan and Bob
Photography & Art for Your Home.
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10/14/26 9:27 AM
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
MPAC thanks the Performing Arts Company for its performance at tonight’s Starlight Ball
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Harry and Maxine Riskin for their longtime enthusiastic support of the mayo performing arts center .
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WE CONGRATULATE
AS THIS YEAR’S
STARLIGHT AWARD HONOREES FOR THEIR SERVICE AND SUPPORT OF THE THEATER
jacobslevy.com