Imagine it is 1979 and you are dancing to the music of Donna Summer at Studio 54 in New York. Your imagination would not have been disappointed at the fabulous Muses & Patroness Circle of the McCallum Theatre “A Studio 54 Celebration,” benefiting the McCallum Theatre’s education programs.
Proceeds from the event support the McCallum Theatre Education Program serving more than 50,000 students and educators annually through innovative, life-changing in-person and virtual programming in theater, dance, music and visual arts at no cost to the students. The Muses & Patroness Circle has raised more than $11 million to support McCallum’s education programs, including performances by professional artists at the theater and in class workshops by McCallum’s teaching artists to nurture critical thinking and creativity.
Partygoers attired in sequins, glitz, platform shoes and Farrah Fawcett hair arrived at the Renaissance Esmeralda ballroom for a cocktail reception and silent auction with more than 50 tempting items. Live disco music encouraged attendees to tap their toes to the beat of “Disco Inferno” and other iconic tunes while enjoying a favorite beverage.
When the ballroom doors opened, attendees were greeted with a visual delight of a disco complete with a lighted dance floor reminiscent of “Saturday Night Fever,” large silver balls and mirrored disco balls. Music provided by DJ Modgirl filled the air, and some guests crowded the dance floor before the program began.
Master of Ceremonies Brad Fuhr welcomed guests and introduced Muses president Victoria Jackson. Together they welcomed honorary event chair Maggy Simon and event co-chairs DeAnn Mix-Buchholz and Maurae Quigley to the stage. Simon was recognized with an award for her unwavering support of McCallum Theatre Education and said, “The theater provides a human connection and the power to mold better human beings.” She praised the Muses for “reaching her heart.”
A spectacular three-course dinner was served starting with a citrus mint salad, an entrée of seared filet mignon and a crusted mahi mahi duet with lemon grass rice and roasted vegetables, followed by a dessert of strawberry mousse bomb.
Upon completion of dinner 10 live auction items were introduced by auctioneer Jay Fiske. Included in the lineup were several entertainment packages, dining experiences and sporting events. Lively bidding ensued.
McCallum Theatre Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Bell shared a personal story of how her childhood experience of attending Wednesday afternoon matinees at the Los Angeles Music Center with her mother was a formative experience. She compared it to a recent production in a special needs classroom at the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribe in Mecca. After the production, one of the special needs children spoke for the first time. An example of how the arts can unlock opportunities to enhance and change lives.
Fundraising for the McCallum Theatre Education program continued with a raise the paddle experience starting at $20,000 and winding down to $100 donations. A glittering round of thanks was given to event coordinator Nicole Benvenutti, honorary chair, event co-chairs, McCallum staff, attendees and sponsors.
The lighted dance floor filled when ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” blasted the room followed by “Stayin’ Alive” from the Bee Gees, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gayner and many more tunes of the era as revelers danced the night away. Oh, what a night.
For membership information, visit mccallumtheatre.org/giving-overview/the-muses or call Director of Memberships Dustin Engstrom at 760-776-6179.
Marge Dodge serves on several local nonprofit boards supporting her passions of education, literacy and the arts.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Muses hold a Studio 54 Celebration for annual fundraiser
Reporting by Marge Dodge, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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