ANNUAL GALA 2006

Remember when you could transform the world by using your imagination? You still can.  

	More than 60 children appeared in the finale of the 2006 Gala performance, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Imagination Works Wonders, Imagination Stage’s 2006 Gala, took place on Saturday, October 21. Co-Chaired by Lisa and Rollin Bell and Ann and John Davis, the sold-out event raised over $338,000 to support the organization’s nationally recognized theatre education programs.

	Eunice Kennedy Shriver accepts the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

During the original theatrical performance, which featured over 60 children, the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver in recognition of her dedication to improving the lives of children with special needs. Imagination Stage Founder and Executive Director, Bonnie Fogel, and Board of Trustees President, Steve Hayes, presented the award. Mrs. Shriver delivered a touching acceptance speech and congratulated Imagination Stage on its success.

	The Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre at Imagination Stage

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre was officially dedicated by Imagination Stage Artistic Director, Janet Stanford and Immediate Past President of the Board of Trustees, Sally Rosenberg Romansky. Special guest speaker Michael Manganiello, formerly of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, introduced a video tribute by actor and close friend of the Reeves, John Lithgow. It is hoped that naming of the Studio Theatre in honor of the Reeves will infuse all young artists who study and perform there with hope, passion and creativity.

	Joe Fab delivers his acceptance remarks for the 2006 Discovery and Imagination Award

The fourth annual Discovery and Imagination Award was presented to Joe Fab, Producer, Writer, and Co-Director of the acclaimed documentary, Paper Clips. Presented by Billy Campbell, President of Discovery’s U.S. Networks, Mr. Fab was recognized for using his artistry to educate the masses through digital media and filmmaking. During his acceptance speech, Mr. Fab spoke of “the power of one” to inspire others and improve the world.

	Artistic Director Janet Stanford and Immediate Past President Sally Rosenberg Romansky lead the dedication of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre

Several elected officials and candidates for public office were in attendance, including Senator Peter Franchot, Senator Ida Ruben, Delegate Bill Bronrott, Delegate Sheila Hixson, Delegate Jane Lawton, Delegate James Proctor, State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Doug Gansler, Candidate for Montgomery County Executive, Ike Leggett, and Montgomery County Councilmembers Howard Denis and Marilyn Praisner.

Major sponsors of the event were Ridgewells Caterer, COMCAST, Lisa and Rollin Bell, Ann and John Davis, Discovery Communications, Inc., Altria Group, Inc., Boone & Sons Jewelers, Cathy Bernard, Gail and Benjamin Jacobs, Marriott International and Martin-Schaffer, Inc.

	Founder and Executive Director Bonnie Fogel and Board President Steve Hayes presented Eunice Kennedy Shriver with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Our heartfelt thanks to all who supported the Gala and made it a wonderful and successful evening

Click on the link below to view
Comcast Red Carpet footage of the 2006 Gala.
Open Windows Media Player to view the footage

Imagination Works Wonders Gala Committee

Lisa and Rollin Bell and Ann and John Davis, Gala Co-Chairs

Ethan Assal

Laura and Scott Beck

John Benzinger

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bittman

Heidi and Michael Brodsky

Heidi and Ken Brotman

Kristin and Eric Burka

Beanie and Corey Burr

Billy Campbell

Anne and Paul Christman

Andi Cleary

Jake and Tom Collamore

Alyssa and Jim Crilley

Janet and Michael Crilley

Floyd “Skip” Davis

Michael “Chip” Davis

Suzanne and Tim Davis

Chesney and Tim Eden

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Farr

Elizabeth and Greg Feldman

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fleming

Martha Blair and Chip Fitzgerald

Mr. and Mrs. Marc Geffroy

Elisa and Ted Geier

Megan Gerrity

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hagerup

Joslyn and Stephen Hills

Beth and Joe Horak

Rebecca and Andrew Howard

Priscilla and David Huffman

Christine and Nicholas Jacobs

Nicole and Lee Jundanian

Rebecca and Richard Kay

Holly and Neil Kopit

Susan Lacz

Molly McNamara

Martin-Schaffer, Inc.

Darian and Dean Packard

Mr. and Mrs. William Peel

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Richardson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shue

Jennifer and Neal Simon

Nina and Stanley Snow

Mr. and Mrs. John Sturm

Carol and Chuck Walser

Maria and Barry Watkins

Amy and Evan Winston

Bev and Tien Wong