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On June 12, more than 845 guests reignited the Denver Center for the Performing Arts at its 40^th Saturday Night Alive. The fundraiser netted a whopping $630,000 for the organizations’ theatre and education programs — the talents of which were on full display.

In-person guests chose from two on-site experiences: half enjoyed a pre-show dinner in the Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby before being the first audience to experience the newly renovated Marvin & Judi Wolf Theatre. The second in-person audience gathered in the Seawell Ballroom for a dinner-theatre style event.

The evening’s program was broadcast from the Ballroom for an estimated virtual audience of 525 guests. All attendees then enjoyed performances by Education students Vanesa Gomez, Elisha Horne, Lara Hunter, Abby Linderman, and Sofia Rodriquez as well as Broadway and TV star Norm Lewis and Colorado’s own Neyla Pekarek. Neyla was accompanied by Angela Steiner as DCPA Theatre Company Artistic Director Chris Coleman deftly illustrated to the crowd how the upcoming musical has progressed as its been developed over the past few years.

As a perfect complement to the evening, the DCPA once again held its luxury silent auction — this time fully online. Featuring more than 110 packages, the auction highlights included trips around the world courtesy of event sponsors United Airlines and Westin Denver Downtown, an opportunity to host a dinner for 10 on The Buell Theatre stage, and original artwork by DCPA Design Director Kyle Malone.

As only fitting on a night when DCPA patrons show their outstanding generosity, guests were also able to celebrate the presentation of the Daniel L. Ritchie Spotlight Award to The Joan & Phill Berger Charitable Fund, which was accepted by Phil & Marcie Munishor. The award is given annually to an individual or organization that advances the mission of the DCPA.

Over nearly four decades, proceeds from Saturday Night Alive have contributed an estimated $21 million to support the DCPA’s theatre and education programs, welcoming approximately 2 million students — a testament to the volunteers, donors, sponsors and attendees who have made this event a success.

Saturday Night Alive Gala Chairs were Trustee Gala Chairs Brisa & Mark Carleton; Corporate Gala Chair Nicole Ament of Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Schreck, and Community Chairs Christine Benero & Brad Busse. The fundraiser was sponsored by Premiere Sponsors United Airlines and The Westin Denver Downtown; Entertainment Sponsors Peggy Finley, Genesee Mountain Foundation, and Ruth Krebs & Peter Mannetti; Top Table Sponsors included Brisa & Mark Carleton, CIBC Private Wealth Management, Epicurean, Evergreen Natural Resources, Keith & Kathie Finger, Genesee Mountain Foundation, US Bank, and Xcel Energy Foundation.