CARLSBAD — The New Village Arts Theatre is gearing up for its fifth annual gala.
Its April 28 soiree, themed, “Silk and Sand — The Ultimate Carlsbad Experience,” promises to deliver a memorable evening for everyone.
“This year’s gala will be an elegant evening of ‘Silk and Sand’ at Carlsbad’s very own Seapointe Resort, complete with a gorgeous beach terrace and breathtaking view of the Pacific sunset,” said Jenna Carlson, special events manager at New Village Arts. “Our gala is an opportunity to celebrate the arts at North County San Diego’s most critically acclaimed theater, to mingle with the talented ensemble of San Diego’s finest actors, and to raise the funds we need in order to continue and to thrive.”
Although an air of elegance will be present, it will not be a black-tie affair. Instead, sporting attractive resort attire is the aim.
Carlson is expecting 100 guests with the hopes of raising $65,000.
The gala, Carslon said, is New Village Arts Theatre’s main fundraising event. She pointed out that in addition to funding the theater and its upcoming season, proceeds will benefit Shakespeare Network, an award-winning arts education program.
“The mission of New Village Arts is to present theater fueled by the power and passion of the artist and share with its audience an uncompromising appetite for the human experience,” she said.
Gala emcee is Paul Gilmartin, who many will remember as co-host of TBS’ “Dinner and a Movie.” Also a standup comedian, Gilmartin plans to deliver enjoyable, witty entertainment.
During the cocktail time, Susanna Kurner will be playing her ukulele. Later on, guests will hit the dance floor when tunes will be spun by Caliber Entertainment.
Dinnertime savories will also be another gala highlight provided by Barry Layne from Coast Catering.
“Barry is a local celebrity chef who has created the most delicious gourmet menu for our gala including Pistachio Crusted Butterfish, Slow Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs, and Portobello Mushroom Ravioli,” Carlson said.
Guests will also be able to sift through the opportunity drawings and silent and live auction items. From Bryan Snyder artwork, Zhulia jewelry and mystery boxes to getaways, the gala committee procured diverse offerings.
“Our featured live auction item is an ‘Escape To Harrah’s Rincon’ package for a three-day, two-night hotel stay with dinner at one of their fabulous restaurants and a spa pampering you will not soon forget,” she said.
This year, the committee members are Norine Sigafoose, serving as chair, along with Lucy Castaneda, Courtney Enriquez, Greg Hermann, Beth Hulsart, Leslie Miller, Chrisa Mott, Julia Popovich, Lisa Rodman, Karen Sebahar and Wendy Wyatt.
“Our committee and staff wanted something different this year,” Carlson said. “That’s how ‘Silk and Sand’ came about.”
Above all, Carlson wanted to thank this year’s sponsors who include Harrah’s Rincon, Tri-City Medical Center, SDG&E, Stellar Solar, Steven “Hap” L’Heureux & Beth Hulsart, Stone Brewing Company, and one sponsor who wished to remain anonymous.
Carlson pointed out that more sponsorship opportunities still available.
To learn more about the April 28 gala, including ticket prices, visit newvillagearts.org or call (760) 433-3245.
