There are galas, and there is THE Gala. In only its fourth year, The Wright Gala has become one of Detroit’s most highly anticipated annual events. It is the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History’s largest fundraiser, drawing hundreds of leading figures from corporations, culture, government, and the media. This year’s event, themed “The Ball,” takes place Saturday, October 11, 2014 beginning at 6:30 pm at the museum, located at 315 East Warren Avenue.
The theme of the 2014 Wright Gala is inspired by the museum’s current exhibition, A Theatre of Color: Costume Design for the Black Theatre by Myrna Colley Lee. Guests will experience the excitement and magic of Broadway, including celebrity guests, high fashion, eclectic dining, and “Studio 54” disco dancing into the night.
“The Wright Gala is a key fundraising initiative that helps support ongoing educational programming at the museum,” said Juanita Moore, president & CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015. “This signature event helps raise significant funding to pursue our mission of opening minds and changing lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.”
Highlights of the black-tie extravaganza will include:
- Indulgent libations in a monumental tent that will take over the museum grounds until sunset
- Red carpet arrival and reception in the museum’s transformed Ford Freedom Rotunda with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a peak at the playbills for the evening’s Broadway-style show
- Decadent dinner cuisine served in a supper club atmosphere, recognition program emceed by WDIV’s Lauren Campbell-Sanders, and toast to a “surprise” Tony Award-winning guest
- Silent auction of works by some of Detroit’s most prominent artists, exotic travel packages, and tickets to the most coveted sporting and entertainment events
- Dessert and dance-till-you-drop Studio 54 disco party
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets for The Wright Gala start at $350 each and include open bar, dinner, Studio 54 party and complimentary valet parking. Tickets are available online at TheWrightGala.com, by phone at (800) 838-3006, or at the museum’s Information Desk.
“We are forever grateful to the members of the gala’s Host Committee, who donate their time, influence, and resources to help The Wright,” said Moore. “Our committee of dedicated volunteers, as well as our sponsors, represent a wide array of the Detroit community, and it’s great to see so much support for art, literacy and culture.”
The 2014 Wright Gala Host Committee:
Rumia Ambrose Burbank, Yvette Bing, Rosalind Brewer, Betty Brooks, Lauren Campbell-Sanders, Julianne Carroll, Janice Cosby-Bridges, Eva Cunningham, Brenda Davis, Retha Douglas, Eleanor Ford, Linda Forte, Mary Anne Gargaro, Linda Gillum Ph.D., Gretchen Gonzales Davidson, Barbara Hughes Smith Ph.D., Roberta Hughes Wright Ph.D., Denise Ilitch, Sharon James, Marion Jones, Florine Mark, Terri Moon, Vivian Pickard, Glenda Price Ph.D., Suzanne Shank, Barbara Whittaker, Jacqueline Wilson
The 2014 Wright Gala Sponsors:
- General Motors Company, Presenting Gala Co-Sponsor
- Ford Motor Company, Presenting Gala Co-Sponsor
- General Motors Foundation, Arts and Education Partner
- MGM Grand Detroit, VIP Reception Sponsor
- Bank of America, Entertainment Sponsor
- John Providence Health System, Entertainment Sponsor
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Theatre Arts Workshop Sponsor
RUN OF SHOW:
6:30 pm VIP Reception
7:15 pm Gala Cocktail Reception
8:00 pm The Ball Seated Dinner & Show
10:00 pm Studio 54 Party
A Theatre of Color: Costume Design for the Black Theatre by Myrna Colley-Lee is sponsored by General Motors Foundation. The exhibit is on display until January 4, 2015 and is free with museum admission. https://thewright.org/explore/exhibitions/668-a-theatre-of-color-costume-design-for-the-black-theatre
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