Actors’ Playhouse Reaches For The Stars

Gala Auction Raises over $150,000

Notable guests, community members and theatre supporters gathered at the historic Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables for the 19th 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 550 guests attended one of the most anticipated events in South Florida that featured over $300,000 worth of live and silent auction items up for bid. The evening’s gourmet dining was provided by 31 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants and an open Bacardi Bar with wine and champagne from Premier Beverage Co. treated bidders. Celebrity guest auctioneer for this 19th year was South Florida’s own Bob Soper formerly of WFOR Channel 4 TV. Artistic Director David Arisco co-starred with Mr. Soper onstage during the live auction, in what turned to be an evening of very spirited bidding.

The popular auction is the major fundraising event for Actors’ Playhouse each year. This year’s proceeds of more than $150,000 will be dedicated to capital improvements of the historic Miracle Theatre and the operating costs of Actors’ Playhouse 2010 -2011 Season.

Headlining this year’s auction was a one-year lease from Lexus of Kendall. General Manager Chris Roberts thrilled the crowd when he announced that the company would donate a second one-year lease, after auctioneers received a sea of bids for the 2010 Lexus RX350. Additionally, live and silent auction items included Air Berlin Business Class Tickets to anywhere in Europe the airline flies, worldwide hotel travel courtesy of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Westin Hotels & Resorts, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, jewelry, golf packages, fine art, antiques, sports collectors items, spa visits, couture clothing and gift certificates.

Notable guests at this year’s event included Mayor Don Slesnick and wife Jeannett, Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk and wife Lynn, General Manager and presenting sponsor of Lexus of Kendall Chris Roberts and wife Tanya, Auction Chairman and Board Treasurer Dr. Larry Kessler, Eddie Cutillas and wife Randi of Bacardi, U.S.A, Frank Fernandez of U.S. Century Bank, Kristina Harmon of Air Berlin, Marc and Madeline Auerbach, Kevin and Trisha King, and Jeff Bailey, who also won the AirBerlin Raffle tickets to Europe, as well as many other theatre sponsors, renowned chefs, and community figures.

With the close of a successful 19th Gala, the theatre is already planning next year’s signature 20th Anniversary Gala event, which will be celebrated April 16, 2011, For additional information of how to get involved, contact Actors’ Playhouse’s development office at 305-444-9293, Ext. 609, or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org