From the Director’s Chair
Scenes From a (multi) Cultural Life
For at least thirty years, one of the main topics of conversation among us has been "Diversity," an idea that often sails under the flag of "Multiculturalism." Many moons past, we started by talking about how to "create diversity," (as though we could!) and have progressed finally to the point at which we talk about how to "celebrate" it. But the lesson of my own life tells me that Diversity is simply the state of grace in which we Americans live.
Past Events

Act Two Guild Fundraising and Fashion Event to be a Royal Affair

Indian Community Eastside Gala Raises $125,000 For Tateuchi Center

Tateuchi Center Joins Medina Days Fun as Concert In The Park Sponsor

PACE Guild Event, Silhouettes of Style 2010—Talk of the Town, Raises More Than $100,000

Act One Guild’s Sixth Annual Candlelight Dinner Raises Thousands for PACE

“Vintage-chic Band” Pink Martini to Perform at 2009 Candlelight Dinner to Benefit PACE

PACE Guild Event, Silhouettes of Style 2010—Talk of the Town, Raises More Than $100,000


CONTACTS:
Linda Bonomi, Tateuchi Center
425.462.0092  |  lbonomi@tateuchicenter.org

BELLEVUE, WA (April 21, 2010)—The sold-out Silhouettes of Style 2010—Talk of the Town fashion and fundraising event raised more than $100,000 for Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE). Organized by the Act Two Guild for PACE, the April 16th event drew 360 people to The Westin Bellevue’s Grand Ballroom for one of the season’s most dynamic runway fashion shows. The show featured the season’s new styles, all presented by The Bellevue Collection in conjunction with their annual spring fashion event, Picture Perfect Style.

The Act Two Guild, formed in 2008, launched their first Silhouettes of Style in spring 2009, and it was also a sold-out success. Composed of more than 30 women, the Guild is dedicated to raising money and public awareness in support of the $160 million Campaign For PACE. Silhouettes of Style has become the Guild’s annual signature event—the luncheon and fashion show raises funds through sponsorships and ticket sales, and also provides an opportunity for guests to direct donations to a special Fund-A-Need.

Act Two Guild President Kim Hardwick, who also served as the event’s emcee, and Kristi Gegner Nangle, event chair and vice president of the Guild, were the leadership behind the event’s success, supported by the hard work and dedication of the entire Guild membership. In the audience presentation prior to the fashion show, Hardwick said, “Kristi has been a dedicated and driving force behind this endeavor—she is an incredible person, and she deserves to be recognized today at the culmination of this wonderful event for all of her hard work.”

For the Fund-A-Need portion of the event, the Act Two Guild again chose to feature the Star Lounge Furnishings Fund, which was showcased during an exciting film clip that brought PACE to life, announcing that the highly anticipated Eastside arts construction project will be shovel-ready in June. PACE Director and Campaign For PACE Co-Chair Karen Lytle took the stage to encourage attendees to give generously, saying “PACE is going to be an amazing venue for arts, entertainment, and education—your support of the Campaign is vital to usher in a bright, exciting future for the performing arts on the Eastside.” In all, $34,000 was raised for the Star Lounge, an exclusive and intimate meeting space where small groups can gather for lectures, workshops, or discussions related to civic, education, business, or philanthropic issues, and where donors and patrons can interact with artists and entertainers behind-the-scenes in a comfortable, high finish, “living room”-like setting. According to Lytle, “It will be an experience to treasure!”

The inaugural 2009 Silhouettes of Style event raised $30,000 for the Star Lounge; with the new donations, the Act Two Guild has now collectively raised more $64,000 for the evocative space.

Fashion stylist and producer Terri C. Morgan, owner and director of TCM Models and Talent and the voice of fashion for The Bellevue Collection, opened the runway show with a short commentary on current trends that included a list of the “Top 10 Spring Fashion Must Haves.” Premier stores and brands such as Mercer, Martin + Osa, True Religion, Papillion, Lululemon Athletica, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Aritzia, Louie Permelia, Macy’s, and Caché were all showcased. The runway brought to life the overall Picture Perfect Style trends of Barely There, Salute This Style, Urban Jungle, Glam Rocker, Print Gallery, Nautical & Nice, Dress to Impress, Gym Dandy, Forever in Blue Jeans, and Color Pop.

In addition to the show, Act Two Guild Founding President Theresa Goesling’s one-of-a-kind collage artwork was auctioned during the reception’s silent auction. “We’re so thrilled that Theresa offered to use her amazing talent to create the original artwork for use on all of the 2010 Silhouettes of Style promotional materials and also agreed to transfer ownership of her painting to the highest bidder—with the proceeds going to PACE,” says Hardwick. “It was an exciting addition to the event.”

Raising more funds, the International Ballet Theatre generously donated tickets to a performance of the Nutcracker as well as dinner at Pearl with some of the company’s lauded dancers. Guild Member Carol Loya of Truce Spa donated a $15 gift certificate to accompany each of the auctioned orchid centerpieces, which were provided by City Flowers.

“We could not be more appreciative or proud of the Guild for the incredible job they did, pulling together this incredible benefit for PACE,” says Christina Greene, PACE’s development associate for guilds and special events. “The women of the Guild are investing in the future of this community by helping to make PACE a reality. They care, and are dedicated to making the Eastside a community rich in culture and style. We greatly appreciate their dedication and collective effort.”

“All of us at The Bellevue Collection have been at the forefront of the vision of PACE,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing for Kemper Development Company, owner and operator of The Bellevue Collection. “We believe in PACE and know that when it opens, it will help complete the vision of the Eastside. The performances and cultural events PACE will add to our community will help build our future. We are proud to help in any way we can to see PACE become a reality. Our participation in Silhouettes of Style is a wonderful way to both support PACE and bring the spring season to life through a dynamic and energetic fashion event.”

About The Act Two Guild
PACE Guilds support the mission of Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) through outreach activities and fundraising events that build strong relationships in the communities served. In April 2008, Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) announced the formation of the Act Two Guild. Utilizing connections in the communities in which the members live and work, the newest Guild of more than 30 dynamic women is inspired by the belief that the arts play an important role in developing healthy, vibrant communities. They are working not only for themselves, but for all Eastside families who will share in the many benefits of PACE for decades to come.

About Performing Arts Center Eastside
With a 2,000-seat Concert Hall and 250-seat Cabaret, Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) will bring renowned musicians, dancers, actors, and entertainers to Puget Sound audiences. Its mission is to enrich cultural life with a wide diversity of live entertainment, arts, and education. PACE will stimulate the arts region-wide, attract new audiences, heighten arts awareness and education, provide a performance home for select area arts organizations, and serve as a cultural center for the Eastside. PACE will be located in downtown Bellevue on the corner of NE 10th Street and 106th Avenue NE. The Campaign For PACE has raised over $32.5 million to date.