18 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Above: Camille Butrus and Louise Abroms. left: Jeff Ingrum and Christy Swaid.
Enchanted Evening BCT Fundraiser Has Surprise Performance From left: Leah Luker as Dorothy, Glenda Nagrodzki and Michael Tallon as the Scarecrow. Photos special to the Journal
Chef Chris Hastings and Paul Nagrodzki.
Mary and David Kimerling.
more photos at
OTMJ.COM
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ducation, entertainment and enrichment are keystones of the Birmingham Children’s Theatre mission, and its latest fundraiser embodied them all. Through an evening of food, wine and performances, the event introduced nearly 70 guests to the BCT and raised more than $15,000 for the organization. The event was held May 2 at the Crestline home of BCT board member Glenda Nagrodzki and her husband Paul. The couple worked with award-winning chef Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club to create the menu, pairing a series of small bites with wine from Paul’s extensive cellar of prized vintages. “We wanted to have a superstar chef to go with superstar wines,” Glenda Nagrodzki said. Guests also were treated to a surprise performance by two BCT actors. Playing the roles of Dorothy and the Scarecrow, Leah Luker and Michael Tallon delighted the audience with songs and then stayed to talk with guests. “The actors really provided the event something extra and introduced our guests to the quality of talent at BCT,” Nagrodzki said. “There was a real sense of interaction and excitement, and the menu of miniature courses kept everyone up and mingling. Several attendees told me they reconnected with old friends and engaged in conversations with many new people, all with a common interest in what BCT has to offer.” As one of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theater companies for young audiences, BCT is dedicated to producing high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and arts education experiences relevant to school curriculums. Over its 66-year history, the organization has reached more than 12 million children, and between its in-house productions and touring programs, it will play
to nearly 175,000 students, teachers and families during the 2013-2014 season. “From productions that teach nutrition to important history lessons to bringing classic children’s novels to life, BCT provides an important way to teach children,” said Jack R. Lemmon, executive director. “By combining its productions with extensive curriculum guides and community education programs, BCT instills a love of theater while imparting important life lessons and addressing issues facing our children.” Research has shown that children who are involved in the arts as audience members and/or participants excel in their academic learning. The arts inspire innovation in children by teaching them to open their minds and think in new ways, he said. “Birmingham Children’s Theatre empowers children with a positive self-image,” Lemmon said. “And when that happens, the entire community benefits.” Those enjoying the evening included Abe Schuster, Andy and Bob Bernstein, Andy Sokol, Angie and Tim Denton, Ann and Hayes Whiteside, Bruce Denson, Camille Butrus, Annie and Greg Butrus, Christy and Swaid Swaid, D’Ann and Bill Sommerall, David Abroms and Lois Weinblatt, Dianna and Jeff Ingrum, Emily and Paul Elliott, Frances and Wade Lamberth, Gloria and Jim Whisenhunt, Ivy and John Graham, Jean and Buddy Smith, Kimberly and Mike Reynolds, Laura and Terry Kellogg, Louise and James Abroms, Lynell and Joe Bolen, Marilyn and Jabo Waggoner, Martine Sebbag and Vincenzo Guarcello, Mary and David Kimerling, Mary Williamson, Michele and Neil Thomas, Millie and Craig Christopher, Missy and John Morgan, Paul DeMarco, Adam Robinett, Rebecca Sibley, Sarah and Abe Kunin, Susan and Tom Curtin and Wimberly Miree. ❖