Encore’s 2013 Sunny Side Up Breakfast – A Truly Sunny Event!

April 10, 2013

For the first time in three years, the weather had finally complemented our annual Sunny Side Up Benefit Breakfast, truly making it a “sunny” event. On Tuesday, April 9, 2013, friends and supporters celebrated Encore Stage & Studio’s 46 years of serving and inspiring children in the community. The breakfast was hosted by Helen Hayes Award-Winning Actress Erin Driscoll, with special remarks from Mark Longo, Chair, Arlington Commission for the Arts and Encore Stage & Studio participants.

Encore Stage & Studio also honored Rebecca Mann with the 2013 Celeste Groves Award recipient for outstanding volunteer. The Board of Directors established this annual award in honor of long-time Executive Producer Celeste Groves, whose “celestial” record of 30 plus years volunteering for our organization gives us all a high standard to live up to.

Nora Walls, who will be attending University of Virginia in the fall, shared with us her favorite Encore experiences and memories, including her favorite role in the production, The Little Mermaid. Nora started participating with Encore Stage & Studio at the age of 9.

“…Your donation today will make a world of difference to our organization and support students like me to achieve our dreams, both on and off stage.”

Thomas Schindler, a current Encore participant, shared with us the top 5 reasons to donate to Encore Stage & Studio’s mission. “The number one reason to give to Encore? Drumroll please… Because when I win a Tony award you’ll want me to remember you in my acceptance speech, right?” said Thomas jokingly. “Seriously, your donation today will make a world of difference to our organization and support students like me to achieve our dreams, both on and off stage.”

Members of Encore Stage & Studio’s Board of Directors attended the breakfast and welcomed friends and supporters. (From left to right, starting from back row) Sara Duke, Jerry Gidner, Renee McDonald, Jason Tate, Michael Rollin, Kate Thomas, Jennifer Reising, Betsy Lohmann, Josephine Diemond, Christine Hahn, and Gina Pelusi.