Zeiterion hosting its third annual fundraiser with a Swingin’ Sinatra Supper

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center will transform into a swingin’ Sinatra Supper Club for its third annual fundraiser, the Center Stage Gala, on Saturday, April 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The glamorous evening will feature live entertainment from The Strictly Sinatra Band, dinner, dancing, open bar, silent auction, and the inaugural Paragon Award honoring first recipients Deborah and Benjamin Baker. Center Stage Gala tickets are $150 per person ($50 of each ticket is tax deductible) and benefits the non-profit Zeiterion Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling (508) 997-5664 x143, online, or at the Box Office at 684 Purchase Street. Space is limited, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

The biggest fundraising event in the Zeiterion’s calendar, the third installment of the Center Stage Gala will transform the theatre into The Copa Room at The Sands Hotel. The stage will triple in size to transport patrons to a time when Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals reigned supreme on the Vegas strip. The event raises critical funds that support The Z’s mission to entertain, educate, and inspire the community through the performing arts, while contributing to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of Greater New Bedford.

“The Z is a cultural cornerstone for New Bedford, and it’s important that the community have an opportunity to come together to celebrate and support it,” said Nicole Downing Merusi, Development Director, Zeiterion. “That’s what the annual gala is all about. Plus, it’s a really great party with lots of fun elements. Who doesn’t love a good excuse to get all dressed up and celebrate with friends?”

To acknowledge commitment to the Zeiterion and the community, the theatre will present the first-ever Paragon Award to Deborah and Benjamin Baker. Following the inaugural presentation, the award will henceforth be named in their honor to recognize The Bakers for dedicating their time, expertise, and resources to the Zeiterion for more than three decades.

“We are overjoyed to both name this Paragon Award for, and present it to, Deborah and Benjamin Baker,” said Rosemary Gill, Co-Executive Direction, Zeiterion. “They have been a pillar in the success of the Zeiterion. Their commitment, loyalty, and generosity embody the meaning of paragon. They are true models of excellence in our community.”

The success of the previous two Galas, which brought attendees to the opulent 1920s and exotic Havana, Cuba, has quickly established the Center Stage Gala as the “can’t-miss” event of the fundraising season. This year’s Sinatra Supper Club flashes back to the elegant yet raucous Rat Pack era, as the authentic Strictly Sinatra Band, led by Michael Dutra, will have guys and gals dancing the night away. Open bar will feature iconic cocktails, like the classic martini, and Russell Morin Catering will serve up generous hors d’oeuvres and a three-course dinner that will feature timeless favorites true to the evening’s theme.

The diverse silent auction will also be available online through BiddingForGood, a charitable e-commerce company. Patrons near and far will now be able to bid on a variety of items at various price points, including a pair of diamond earrings from Hannoush Jewelers, a Custom Martin Acoustic Guitar, and a Martha’s Vineyard getaway with Cape Air.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.