Gala Boheme
Journey to a Cure
Annual Opera Omaha Guild gala raises more than $70,000
Annual JDRF gala raises $520,000 to fight juvenile diabetes
Story and photos courtesy of the Opera Omaha Guild.
Story and photos courtesy of JDRF
T
he Slowdown, an entertainment venue in NoDo, was transformed into a Parisian cabaret nightclub complete with live entertainment in March for the Opera Omaha Guild’s annual gala. Gala Boheme featured the live music of Rouge, a classic French musette and cabaret band which bridges jazz, folk, and classical influences. Their sounds transported attendees to the cobblestone streets of Paris. Over 170 people attended gala, which raised more than $70,000. Proceeds from the event will support Opera Omaha’s outreach programming. The Company is known for its creative approach to stimulating interest among people of all walks of life in the classical arts by utilizing the internationally renowned artists traveling here for our productions. More than 7,000 students throughout Nebraska, western Iowa and eastern South Dakota annually participate in and benefit from the Company’s many education programs. Dr. Debra Reilly-Culver and Bob Culver served as the honorary chairs for the evening. Kyle Robino and Beth Kramer chaired the event. John Benker served a wonderful French-themed dinner beginning with shrimp, lobster and celeriac salad followed by beef tenderloin napoleon, roasted winter vegetables, French beans with carmelized shallots, all culminating in the pièce de résistance – a chocolate tart symphonique.
T
he Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) 12th annual gala – “Journey to a Cure - An Arabian Night” - raised over $520,000 in February to fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. More than 520 JDRF supporters enjoyed an evening at the Qwest Center, hosted by honorary chair couple Lori and David Scott and event chairs Susan Dennis and Lissa Skutt. In the live auction, a Napa Valley wine trip sold twice for a total of $13,000 and an exclusive trip for two to see the Ellen Degeneres Show was also a big ticket item. Following the auction, Fund A Cure speaker, 15-year-old Georgia Andresen, highlighted the importance of diabetes research by sharing her personal experience living with juvenile diabetes. Georgia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was five years old. Her compelling story received a standing ovation and helped raise over $215,000 in Fund A Cure alone. Local band, The Finest Hour, performed after the Fund A Cure portion of the evening. “We are so blessed that even in these uncertain economic times, our community responded with a tremendous outpouring of support – both of time and treasure,” said Ellen Wright, JDRF Board President. Presenting sponsor for the 12th Annual Gala was The David Scott Foundation. For more information, visit the JDRF web site at www.jdrf.org or call (402) 397-CURE (2873).
Honorary chairs Dr. Debra Reilly-Culver, Bob Culver, event co-chair Beth Kramer, Mark Hinrichs and event co-chair Kyle Robino.
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may/june | 2009
Top: Children's Hospital CEO Gary Perkins and wife Carol. Above: Chair Susan Dennis, honorary chairs Lori and David Scott, Fund A Cure Speaker Georgia Andresen, JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter President Ellen Wright and event chair Lissa Skutt Sutton.