Twenty years of theatre will be celebrated with a fundraising gala next weekend. Gallery 7 Theatre Group is holding its third annual Imaginate Gala.
The event will raise money for the organization, helping them to continually offer quality productions and drama related education in the future.
As Abbotsford’s only full-time theatre company, Gallery 7 hopes to build on its history for the next 20 years.
“We want to continue to grow with this community, to be an integral part of it, providing Abbotsford with an excellent theatre experience,” says Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7’s founder and executive artistic director.
The gala will give guests the chance to view the current theatre with back stage tours. There will also be a comedic one-act play called 20 years in 20 minutes, written by Shelley Picard.
Abbotsford’s own Cinnamon Toast Funk will be providing the musical entertainment.
The evening will also include roving actors who will interact with people as they arrive and those involved with the theatre will share how their experience has impacted them.
Dinner will be prepared by award-winning chef Michael Dicks of Q Steakhouse. A silent auction will be held, giving guests a chance to bid on items such as a two-night hotel stay and a wine tour.
“While our dream for the future is to be in our own building, we know that Gallery 7 is already making an impact on lives now and we want to continue to build on that” says Denise Ramsay, chair of the Gallery 7 Theatre board.
“We know that theatre is much more than just a building – we want to be the hub of theatre experience in Abbotsford, to continue to make a positive contribution to this community.”
Hildebrandt agrees.
“Our hope is that our guests will be inspired by what they hear and see at the gala, just as they are inspired by what they see when they come to a production,” Hildebrandt says.
“And out of that inspiration, they’ll be moved to help us continue to provide excellent theatre in our community and move towards realizing our dream.”
The gala takes place on Saturday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at MEI Secondary School, 4081 Clearbrook Rd.
Tickets are $75 each (includes a $25 donation) or $600 for a table of 8 (includes a $200 donation).
Tickets are available online at www.gallery7theatre.com or at the theatre.
For more information, call 604-504-5940.