"Each of the three groups will be given the opportunity to have these dollars matched and doubled with a separate Rotary District 5840 community matching grants potentially increasing the contribution to each group to $10,000.00 from the event," said Warren Gilbert Gala Co-Chair.

Maxine Price, Artist

The remaining $10,000.00 will be made available in grants and scholarships that will support youth enrichment and the arts in the Wimberley Valley. "The entertainment this year will be awesome," says Ann Rolling, Executive Director of the EmilyAnn Theatre. This year's theme is "Broadway Comes to Wimberley," says Rolling. William Park and Adrienne Haan will present selections from Phantom of the Opera.

 William made his operatic debut with Cincinnati Opera as Nermorino in Lucia DI Lamermoor and has won awards from San Francisco Opera and several other vocal competitions. On the stage, William devotes most of his time to musical theater endeavors on Broadway, Broadway National Tours and regional theaters as well as doing concert and studio work. His roles include the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. 

Adrienne Haan has preformed in several off-Broadway productions, including Sunday on the Rocks, for which she received high praise and excellent reviews for her performance as Jessica. She has subsequently been traveling through the United States on several national tours including performances of A Christmas Carol and Grimm's Fairy Tales. Adrienne has been winning the hearts of audience members and critics alike.

Rotarians Warren Gilbert and Todd Mackenzie are co-chairing the event. "We have a great lineup of local artists contributing artwork for the auction," Warren said. "Several have international reputations, so it will be a great opportunity for Wimberleyites to acquire major artwork and benefit three fine arts groups at the same time." A silent auction will be added as a new feature of the Gala this year.

All three beneficiaries will take on a responsibility to make the event a big success. The Wimberly Players will be responsible for handling ticket reservations, while EmilyAnn Theatre will arrange entertainment and Arts from the Heart is lining up the artists.

"Everybody attending the Gala is sure to have a wonderful time," said Julie Ray, Players board member who is working on 2005 grant applications for the Players. "The $5,000 we anticipate from the Gala proceeds will be a major contribution to our building fund, and could even double if we receive a matching grant from the Rotary District." 

Barbara Alexander, new Players Board member who is heading fundraising for 2005, couldn't be happier. "It's very exciting to have the Rotary backing up the arts in Wimberley. We are so appreciative of being one of the three recipients of the proceeds."