Shrek-Inspired Night Helps Youth Theatre Raise $193K

Valley Youth Theatre hosted their annual VYTal Affair with a Soirée in the Swamp theme at The Herberger Theater Center on August 18, welcoming over 300 attendees and raising $193,000.
“The funds raised at the VYTal Affair are vital to our operation so that we may continue to inspire children to be the best that they can be,” said Valley Youth Theatre’s producing artistic director and one of the night’s honorees, Bobb Cooper. “We are very blessed to be a part of such a great community. We would not be able to exist without the generosity of those who support us. Almost everything pertaining to VYTal is 100 percent donated to us.”
The Shrek-inspired event was a nod to the theatre’s season opening production, Shrek the Musical. The colorful décor matched the theme and guests were even encouraged to dress as fairytale characters.
Guests enjoyed themed cocktails, a live banjo player, catering by Bobby-Q, a live auction, musical performances by the stars of the theatre’s production of Shrek The Musical and an award ceremony.
Valley Youth Theatre Board Chair, Sara Dial, presented the 2017 Corporate VYTality award to Fennemore Craig Attorneys and the Valley Youth Theatre Board of Directors awarded the 2017 VYTality Award for individual leadership to resident costume designer, Karol Cooper, resident musical director, Mark Fearey and producing artistic director, Bobb Cooper.
Following the ceremony, several Valley Youth Theatre alum performed a surprise rendition of “Because I Knew You” from the musical, Wicked to honor the VYTality Award winners.
The night’s emcees were Gina Slazar Hook of Channel 3 and John Hook of Fox 10.
“Seeing our vision for VYTal Affair 2017 Soirée in the Swamp come to life to honor Karol, Mark and Bobb, was in a word, magical!” said VYTal Affair 2017 chair, Traci Chandler. “It was an evening full of excitement, entertainment and emotion! VYT is a place where these leaders teach our youth that if they reach for the stars, anything is possible. Leaning on this motto, it only seemed appropriate to do the same and create a night that paid homage to the incredible gift these three are to our Community and to VYT!”