Electric City Playhouse Acknowledges Gala Partners

As part of its 2019 “Season of Gratitude”, Electric City Playhouse (ECP) in Anderson held a 35^th Anniversary Gala on February 9, 2019. Over 100 Gala attendees enjoyed entertainment, hors d’ oeuvres, cash bar, and a silent auction. This “Dress to Impress” evening paired a celebration of the theatre’s first 35 years with a fundraiser to assist with future projects.

ECP relies upon volunteer dedication, and the Gala was no exception. The Gala could not have taken place without the support of volunteers, members, local business partners, and generous silent auction donors.

The Gala Committee included: Susan Fairrington; Brandon Grace; Lin Hagen; Heidi Landre; Jo-Ann Ledger; Polly Ludena; Sharon Schultz; and Anne Spake. Additional assistance was provided by other ECP members and friends, including Ben Aylesworth; Jean Brown; Craig Johnson (photography); Marc Ludena (graphic design); Dana McElreath and family; Mary Nickles; and Terry Owens.

The evening’s entertainment was a musical revue featuring shows from ECP’s history. Performers were: Johnathan Bowman (guitar & vocals); Amy Cavender (vocals); Paul Hyde (vocals); Drew Kenyon (vocals); Marc Ludena (bass); Polly Ludena (emcee & vocals); Terry Owens (drums); Michelle Stempniak (piano); and Kristina Young (vocals).

The Gala was held at Huitt Farms Venue in Anderson with catering by Black Sheep Café & Catering of Piedmont. Brandon Grace and Summa Joe’s provided bar beverages. Linens and additional tables were loaned by Montessori School of Anderson and North Anderson Community Church, Presbyterian, respectively.

All proceeds from the Gala benefit the theatre, with the lively silent auction contributing most of the funds. Auction items were graciously donated by: Black Sheep Café & Catering; Brandon Grace; Carolina Baernhaus Ales & Winery; Cornerstone Family Dentistry; Melanie Davis; Easley Foothills Playhouse; Rob Gentry; Grace Episcopal Yoga Group; Greenville Drive; Greenville Swamp Rabbits; Lin Hagen; Jeanie Henderson; Craig Johnson; M. Judson Booksellers; Marc Ludena; Market Theatre; Milltown Players; Robin Parent; Ryobi Technologies; Chrissie Saunders; Ian Schaefer; Shuck’s Oyster Bar; South Carolina Botanical Gardens; and Summa Joe’s Searing Pans/Mr. Rivers.

The Gala celebrated the history of the theatre and spoke to the value of dedication and generosity. As a 501(c)3 organization, Electric City Playhouse requires the efforts of volunteers and local businesses to stage multiple shows and community engagement activities each year. Since relationships are so important to the success of ECP, the theatre is partnering with local charitable organizations as a broader "Thank you" for 35 years of community support. Visit https://ecplayhouse.com or call 864.224.4248 for more information about the theatre and upcoming charitable partnerships.