First-ever Gammage Gala a Success

For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2012
Media: Dana McGuinness, 480.965.1884
Public: ASU Gammage, 480.965.3434
ASU GAMMAGE’S FIRST GALA KICKS OFF FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR 50th ANNIVERSARY
Tempe, AZ – On Saturday, October 13, nearly 300 guests gathered on stage at – the iconic
Frank Lloyd Wright designed performing arts center – ASU Gammage to celebrate its first-ever
gala. The Golden Gammage Gala (GO GAGA) was a chance for ASU Gammage supporters –
old and new – to come together for a grand fête to celebrate ASU Gammage’s profound cultural
and economic impact throughout the state. This event was the first of three major social events
planned leading up to the Golden Anniversary in 2014.
GO GAGA attendees included many members of ASU Gammage's 50th Anniversary
Leadership Board including co-chairs Leslie and Jeff Rich of Scottsdale, Mary Way (co-chair)
and Bill Way of Paradise Valley, William Ahearn of Phoenix, Jerry Appell of Phoenix, JO Finks
of Phoenix, Fernand Fernandez of Chandler, Grady Gammage, Jr. of Phoenix, Laurie and
Chuck Goldstein of Paradise Valley, Albert Leffler of Phoenix and Doreen and Michael Manning
of Paradise Valley. Other members of the ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Leadership Board
are Steve Maun of Paradise Valley and Sarah Nolan of Winnetka, IL.
The red-carpet worthy event whisked guests away to the Big Apple with a New York City theme
where they were greeted with a red-carpet entry with lined paparazzi. As guests entered the
landmark venue they enjoyed roasted chestnuts, gourmet hot dogs and glam-ified New York
City street food during the cocktail hour.
Entertainers for the evening included ASU Gammage’s first-ever artist-in-residence Daniel
Bernard Roumain, a remarkable young musician/composer and Broadway veteran David
Burnham who serenaded guests with some of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Guests then dined onstage with dinner provided by Michael’s Catering and edible centerpieces
adorned the tables made by the Art Institute of Phoenix. The centerpieces were cakes and other
baked items that also served as dessert and were Broadway themed.
“We are thrilled to have successfully completed our first Gala, enormous thanks to our event
chair Leslie Rich. With Leslie’s leadership this event was a true success,” says ASU Gammage
Executive Director Colleen Jennings- Roggensack.
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