Elmhurst, Illinois, June 17, 2016: Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts, a new initiative to build a multi-stage venue in downtown Elmhurst, announces its first social and fundraising event—a summer Patio Party and Open House, to be held at Flight 112 Wine Bar & Restaurant. On Wednesday, July 13, friends, supporters, and performing arts enthusiasts are invited to join ECPA anytime between 5 pm and 8 pm, where architectural renderings of the new arts building will be unveiled. “While the facility is still in its planning stages,” says ECPA Board President, Jeff Budgell, “We hope that the artistic renderings and detailed blueprints will inspire the Elmhurst community. Once everyone sees what’s possible, we’re confident residents, the business community, and city leadership will get behind the project.”
With food plus a wine & beer tasting, a highlight of the evening will be ECPA’s first fundraising raffle – with a Grand Prize of four CLUB level tickets to see the Chicago Bears in the Fall. The tickets, donated by Elmhurst business owners Doug and Cindy Peterson, include parking and have a total value of $1,200. Other prizes include tickets to the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Drury Lane Theatre, Chicago’s Stage 773 (in the Belmont theater district), and many more. The raffle is open to the entire community, with tickets available at the event or online at www.ecpa-elmhurst.org.
ECPA’s goal is to build a state-of-the-art performance center that will house a 400-seat plus mainstage auditorium and a versatile 100-seat blackbox theater. The plan includes space for classrooms and studios, to be used for training and education in the performing arts. ECPA will serve the needs of Elmhurst’s established music, dance, and theater companies, as well as providing a venue for the city’s flourishing music and comedy scenes. ECPA will also draw regional headline acts to perform for Elmhurst audiences.
“This is an exciting event for our city,” says ECPA board member Laura Michaud. “We are thrilled to partner with Flight 112, whose generous support will make the Patio Picnic a fundraising success.” The popular downtown venue will host the party on its outdoor patio, flowing into the indoor spaces where architectural designs will be available for viewing. There will also be live music from local performers.
ECPA was recently granted funding for a feasibility and financial impact study by the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and is now taking giant steps toward achieving its goals. “It’s amazing how quickly everything is coming together,” continues Michaud, “We have experienced nothing but support and encouragement from the community, local businesses, and city leaders. All are signs that the time is now for the performing arts in Elmhurst. The picture couldn’t be brighter.”
Tickets for ECPA’s Summer Patio Party are available online at www.ecap-elmhurst.org. At $25.00 a person, the cost includes food plus the wine & beer tasting or a soft drink from the bar. A portion of the proceeds supports ECPA. Grand Prize Raffle Tickets are available available online ($10 per ticket; 6 tickets for $50). All raffle tickets are eligible to win all prizes.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
