Lobero Associates
The Lobero Theatre Associates' hard work and dedication have given the Lobero a beautiful Courtyard behind the theatre, the Steinway Grand piano that graces our stage, and they actively support our youth programs, bringing thousands of students to the theatre each year.
The Lobero Theatre Associates are a Women's Auxiliary Group that has been working together to support the Lobero Theatre since 1972, taking on a myriad different projects which continue the Lobero legacy. The purchase of a beautiful Steinway Grand piano, shipped in from New York, enhanced what the theatre was able to provide for renters. Back when there was merely a slab of asphalt behind the theatre; the Associates had a vision for a beautiful courtyard, bringing it to life in 2003. Today guests also enjoy a whimsical tent during the winter months, increasing their comfort, and the number of nights per year that the courtyard can be utilized.
Fall of 2011 saw the first of a new breed of special events at the Lobero, hosted in part by the Lobero Theatre Associates. Mangia del' Arte was an evening to remember, with fine cuisine from local restaurants, breathtaking entertainment, and festively dressed guests. Associates filled the majority of the seats for the unforgettable evening.
Then the Associates celebrated the holiday season in style, hosting their annual Holiday Tea on Wednesday, December 14th at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort's picturesque El Mar room. Guests mingled over scones and finger sandwiches and sipped tea and champagne while live holiday music by Fredrik Rosvall played in the background. Each year the Associates request that their guests bring a toy to be donated to Child Abuse Listening & Mediation (CALM), for children in need. In no time, the tree was surrounded by piles of wonderful presents.
Event chair Janet McCann commented that "This year was special as we not only provided presents for needy children, but we also purchased tiles for the Lobero renovation." A challenge was initiated during the Tea, and the Associates rose to the occasion raising $1,500 for the renovation and expansion of the Lobero's ladies lounge in a single afternoon. Janet offers thanks to Marlena Handler, Leslie Haight, and Eileen Mielko for serving on her committee. Their help made the planning easier, and more fun.
The Associates made sure that the Lobero got decked out for the holiday season too, hanging wreaths, garlands. With all that sparkle, the theatre is looking quite festive in time for the holiday shows. Guests agree, the decorations help everyone to get in the spirit of the season before they even walk inside.
The Associates welcome this year's new members: Leslie Schneiderman, Anne Wilder, Gina Bell, Gunilla Hutton, Judy Benozer, Kaye Ewalt, Nancy Power, Marianne Cooper, Lucinda Freeman, Sandy Stahl, Debra Borden, Sue Walseth, Jeanne Hoffman, Christy Martin, Lori Ogden, Lisa Schlagel, and Hiroko Benko. For more information on Associates Membership, contact Joan Crossland at joan@bluepalmgroup.com.
Written by Jessica Simon