May 12, 2008                                                                                                                                                       Associate Director of Marketing

                                                                                                                                                                               Phone: 253.573.2360

                                                                                                                                                                               Email: laceyl@broadwaycenter.org

Record Funds Raised for Arts Education at

Star Chefs on Broadway 2008

Sponsored by El Gaucho, The Commencement and Lexus of Tacoma at Fife

Tacoma, WA – The Broadway Center and local restaurants partnered to present the second annual Star Chefs on Broadway on May 4, 2008 in the historic Pantages Lobby. Guests for the sold-out event were treated to a gourmet meal prepared by top chefs from some of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants. Star Chefs 2008 raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Broadway Center’s Education Program.

“Star Chefs is the Broadway Center’s signature fundraiser” said Deputy Executive Director Benjii Bittle. “A fun-loving crowd came out for what is without a doubt the best dinner party in town. They were ready to support the groundbreaking work of the Broadway Center’s education program. Thanks to their generosity we will be able to serve more than 25,000 local students and teachers next year.”

Each chef prepared a different course, which included gourmet fare like Lobster Bisque with Johnny Walker Scotch and Chateaubriand with Seared Divers Sea Scallops. This year’s culinary wizards were Charlie McManus of Primo Grill, Matt Brandsey of Sea Grill, Eve Hewitt of Capers, Tristan Holst of El Gaucho, and Gay Landry of Affairs Bakery & Cafe. Each course was served with corresponding wines from this year’s featured winemakers: Craig Larson of Maryhill Winery, Ron Bunnell of Bunnell Family Cellar, and Rob Newsom of Boudreaux Cellars.

The evening featured a raffle and both silent and live auctions. Guests bid on a wide variety of items such as rare wines, trips around the world, sports tickets, and even a Pantages skylight replica pin created by Steph Farber of Leroy Jewelers. Master of ceremonies and auctioneer Kevin Joyce, in character as Spanish chef Esperanto Gazpacho, kept the program light and lively while focusing on the importance of the cause. After each item was sold he led the crowd in a chant of “Ole!”

Event décor by coordinator Tammi Barber and the planning committee transformed the Pantages Lobby into a European bistro. Music was from Rouge, an accomplished five piece band whose lead singer Janet Rayor reminded guests of La Vie En Rose. Thanks to event sponsors El Gaucho, the Commencement, and Lexus of Tacoma at Fife, every dollar raised the night of the event supported the cause. During the event, the Boeing Company announced that it would contribute an additional $5,000 to support the Broadway Center’s innovative work with area students.

The Broadway Center’s Education Program is one of the largest and most effective arts education programs in the state. The Broadway Center Conservatory and education department annually serve 25,000 students and teachers. In January, the BCPA built full-time education studios in underutilized space at the corner of 9th and Commerce. The contributions to Star Chefs will ensure access for underprivileged kids to attend student matinees, take drama classes, and experience the joy of the performing arts for the first time. The Broadway Center would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all whose contributions will make this an evening of remarkable food, exciting auctions, and a chance for everyone to connect in the heart of Tacoma.

Planning is already underway for the third annual Star Chefs, to be held on May 3, 2009. Since both of the first two years have sold out, capacity will be greatly expanded next year to allow more guests to enjoy the best dinner party in town.

The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the following for support of the 2007-2008 Season: ArtsFund, Ben B. Cheney Foundation, The Boeing Company, City of Tacoma, Forest Foundation, The News Tribune, Pierce County Arts Commission, Sequoia Foundation Pierce County Program, and Washington State Arts Commission.

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