23rd Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction presented by Lexus of Kendall

Performance and gala auction raises over $155,000 for Actors’ Playhouse

Notable guests, community members and theatre supporters gathered at the historic Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables for the 23rd Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction presented by Actors’ Playhouse and Lexus of Kendall.

Hosted by Founding Board Chairman Dr. Lawrence Stein and Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein, over 500 guests attended one of the most anticipated events on the South Florida calendar that featured an auditorium full of live and silent auction items up for bid. The evening’s gourmet dining was provided by 35 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants, with an open bar sponsored by Barcardi and complimentary wine and champagne from Premier Beverage Co.

Celebrity guest auctioneer for his 23rd year was South Florida’s own Bob Soper, CBS Miami’s former chief meteorologist, with the help of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge. The event was complimented with performances by Living Statue Daniela Viotti, Bravo Musicians, Carbonell Award Nominee Julia Dale and Young Talent Big Dreams Grand Prize Winners Esther and Gloria Chae, and an exciting video production of Actors’ Playhouse’s award-winning theatre and performances.

The popular auction is the major fundraising event for Actors’ Playhouse each year. This year’s funds of more than $155,000 will be dedicated to youth programming and general operations of Actors’ Playhouse’s 2014 – 2015 Season.

Headlining this year’s auction was a 2014 Lexus RX 350 one-year lease from Lexus of Kendall. Additionally, live and silent auction items included luxury cruises courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises, airfare provided by TAP Portugal and South African Airlines, worldwide hotel travel courtesy of InterContinental Hotel Miami, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, golf packages, fine art, antiques, sports collectors items, spa visits, couture clothing and gift certificates.

Notable guests at this year’s event included Honorary Chairs Former Mayor Donald and Jeannett Slesnick and Former Mayor Dorothy and Jack Thomson, Auction Chairman and Board Treasurer Dr. Lawrence Kessler and guest Sherri Sharon, Board Member Linda and Sheppard Faber, Senator Gwen Margolis, School Board Member Dr. Marta Perez, Coral Gables Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr. and Coral Gables Commissioner Pat Keon.

Participating restaurants included Anacapri on Ponce, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Azucar Cuban Cuisine & Cigars, Bellmont Spanish Restaurant, Bread & Butter, The Café at Books & Books, Catering by Lovables, Christy’s, Cibo Wine Bar, Cold Stone Creamery, CRAVE, CrepeMaker on the Mile, Edda’s Cake Designs, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, La Tagliatella, Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables, Miller’s Coral Gables AleHouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Rincon Argentino, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, SAWA

Restaurant & Lounge, Shula’s 347 Grill, Special Events Catering By Les, Starbucks, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, The Palace, Tropical Chinese Restaurant and Yuga Restaurant.

With the close of a successful 23rd Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction, Actors’ Playhouse is already planning next year’s 24th Annual Gala Auction, which will be celebrated on April 18, 2015. For additional information on how to get involved contact the Actors’ Playhouse Development Office at 305.444.9293, extension 609.