Go GAGA Gala
On Oct. 13, nearly 300 guests gathered on stage at ASU Gammage – the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright designed performing arts center – to celebrate its first-ever gala. The Golden Gammage Gala (GO GAGA) was a chance for Gammage supporters to come together for a grand fête to celebrate the center’s 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 Leslie Rich, Go GAGA chair, and her husband Jeff Rich, co-chair with Mary Way of the 50th Anniversary Leadership Board, and Mary’s husband, Bill Way. Former ASU president Lattie Coor attended with his wife, Elva.
Guests were greeted with a red-carpet entry lined with paparazzi as they arrived at the Big Apple-themed event. As they 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.
Dinner, provided by Michael’s Catering, was served onstage, and tables were topped with edible centerpieces made by students at the Art Institute of Phoenix. The cakes and other baked items also served as dessert and were Broadway-themed.
“We are thrilled to have successfully completed our first gala, and give enormous thanks to our event chair Leslie Rich. With Leslie’s leadership this event was a true success,” says Colleen Jennings- Roggensack, ASU Gammage executive director.
