KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Starlight, the oldest and largest continually operating performing arts organization in the Kansas City metropolitan area, celebrated its 39th Annual Gala with Sutton Foster on Saturday, October 17 in a black-tie event. Today, the historic theatre announced that this year’s fundraiser brought in a record-breaking $1.2 million. The proceeds from this annual event directly support Starlight’s community programs, venue maintenance, live events, staff and operating costs, and more.

“This record-breaking gala is a reflection of the extraordinary generosity of our Kansas City community and the special place Starlight holds in so many hearts,” said Lindsey Rood-Clifford, Starlight President + C.E.O. “I’m deeply grateful to our gala chairs, sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff, and everyone who helped make this evening possible. Their support goes far beyond one night of celebration, helping us create meaningful live arts experiences and share the magic of Starlight with more people for generations to come.”

The evening began in a red-carpet reception in Starlight’s Applause Club before moving into the stagehouse for a seated dinner and program. Starlight presented Roshann Parris, founder of Kansas City-based public relations and strategic communications firm Parris Communications, Inc., with the distinguished Star Award for her longstanding support of the theatre. After dinner, students from Starlight’s Community Engagement programs performed alongside two-time Tony Award-winning actress Sutton Foster before attendees concluded the event with an after party in the theatre’s Applause Club. Saturday’s Gala was chaired by longtime Starlight supporters, Howard & Debbi Cohen.

Ticket sales only make up a portion of the cost of running Starlight Theatre. In 1951, a nonprofit organization was created to activate and run the theatre going forward. Now, for more than 75 years, Kansas Citians have continued to support the historic theatre in Swope Park.

Interested in donating to Starlight? Visit kcstarlight.com/give to learn more.

About Starlight

Opened as a theatre in 1950 and a nonprofit organization in 1951, Starlight is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City, Missouri, and connects our community through live arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and engage audiences of all ages. Offering diverse programming year-round, Starlight presents Broadway musicals, concert events, and extensive community engagement programming, including arts access initiatives, scholarships, school partnerships, and one of the most well-regarded high school musical theatre award programs in the nation. Located on 16 acres in Swope Park, the historic, city-owned venue is the second-largest outdoor producing theatre in the country with almost 8,000 seats.

Follow Starlight on social media @kcstarlight and visit kcstarlight.com for more information.

Starlight is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.