On Saturday, Nov. 14, Elmhurst Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) will host its fifth annual Spotlight Gala celebrating the arts in the western suburbs. The Gala benefits ECPA, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to the creation of a state-of-the-art venue for theater, dance, music and comedy in Elmhurst City Centre.
“This year’s Virtual Gala could not be happening at a better time,” said ECPA Board Chair Jeff Budgell, referring to the community’s desire to participate in uplifting events from the comfort of their own homes.
Last fall, the Elmhurst-First LLC (EF LLC) announced its purchase of 109-119 First Street, securing the location for the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) and advancing the overall plan to establish the theater in downtown Elmhurst.
“ECPA is fortunate to be in our development phase in 2020,” Budgell said. “We have completed studies showing strong support with the secured land across the street from the Elmhurst Metra, along with the confirmed tremendous passion in the western suburbs for the arts. ECPA is committed to elevating the arts by bringing a state-of-the-art performing arts center to the heart of Elmhurst.”
“This year’s Virtual Gala will set the bar for virtual galas,” said Board secretary Laura Michaud. “You should expect nothing less than an evening of fun and lively entertainment from a performance-based entity. With ECPA partnering with the expert team at Absolute Productions, it can’t be anything but a night you won’t forget.”
The virtual aspect of this gala is paired with an “Experience Box,” which promises to delight, offering everything you need to celebrate the performing arts from home.
This year’s Gala will feature appearances by two musicians with ties to the western suburbs: Elmhurst resident Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship and Dan Konopka of OK GO.
“I think the performing arts are a wonderful thing for any community,” Richardson said. “I think it would be great for downtown Elmhurst.”
The ECPA Virtual Spotlight Gala is Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. “Experience Boxes for Two” for this special evening at home, which are $175 with additional options available. Note, only 100 boxes will be available, so early ticket-purchasing will be important. To purchase, visit ECPA-Elmhurst.org/Gala2020.
