originally published: 06/14/2024
Jersey held annual benefit gala featuring Jay Leno” title=”State Theater New Jersey held annual benefit gala featuring Jay Leno” src=”https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2024/State-June14a.jpg” style=”height:auto;400px; width:600; 600px”>
Jay Leno, photo by Jeff Auger
(NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey) — On June 8, 2024, New Jersey State Theater hosted the annual STNJ benefit gala to celebrate live performance, community and legacy. The State Theater Benefit Gala was held at the historic theater and featured a performance by comedian Jay Leno. This year’s Gala raised essential funds for State Theater New Jersey’s work to provide education and community engagement programs for underserved children, families and residents and support the continued excellence of its world-class mainstage performances.
“With over 100 years of memorabilia, the State Theater is one of the most special and historic venues in New Jersey, and it was truly wonderful to open the entire theater to Gala attendees,” said State Theater Gala Co-Chairs New Jersey. Wendy Wiebalk and Steven Cahn. “Thank you to the incredible Gala Committee, State Theater staff and generous supporters for making this event a great success.”
At this year’s gala, the State Theater honored John Pulomena, administrator of Middlesex County, New Jersey, as its 2024 Arts Advocate honoree along with NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and The DiLeo Family Foundation as its 2024 corporate honorees.
John Pulomena and Robert DiLeo, photo by Jeff Auger
Inspired by headliner Jay Leno’s passion for classic cars, this year’s Gala featured a 1950s theme. Guests were transported to an evening of retro charm, from poodle skirts to leather jackets, socks and gourmet delights. The gala festivities included a cocktail party and dinner with delicious catering from Fritz’s, live music from Shake Rattle & Roll Pianos, and a silent auction featuring select signed memorabilia from some of STNJ’s greatest performances along with curated experiences. Following Jay Leno’s performance, gala guests enjoyed an evening party with the Blaire Reinhard Band, dancing, signature cocktails and late-night delights.
Key sponsors of this year’s event included: American Benefits Consulting and Craig & Nancy Guiffre, Thunderbird; Joan and Bob Campbell, Corvette; NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and the DiLeo Family Foundation, Corvette; Boraie Development, , Eldorado; EAB Insurance Group, Eldorado; Johnson & Johnson, Eldorado; Magyar Bank, Eldorado; Alma Scott, Eldorado; and Somerset Patriots, Clinton Honda and Land Rover of Princeton, Skylark. Additional sponsors included BCB Bank; Benjamin and Christine Bucca; Cahn and Parra, ; Stephan DeMicco and Jeanne Fox; DLR Group; Morgan Stanley’s Green Jade Group; IBEW Local 456; Nicholas and Leah Kambitsis; Lombardi and Lombardi, Pennsylvania; Najarian Associates; Presidential Cleaning; Robin Suydam and Paul Corkery; Turner Construction Company; Eileen Harkins; Reilly Financial Group; and Todd A. Shamy and Joey Grinkley.
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The 2024 State Theater Benefit Gala committee included (State Theater New Jersey Board of Directors, Gala Co-Chair) Wendy Wiebalk, Cahn & Parra, ; (Gala Co-Chair) Steven Cahn, Esq., Cahn & Parra, ; (State Theater of New Jersey Board of Directors, Gala Auction Chair) Eileen Harkins, Retired, Johnson & Johnson; (New Jersey State Theater Board of Directors) Hiam Boraie, Boraie Development; (New Jersey State Theater Board of Directors) Ben Bucca; Cristina Bucca; Saul Curtis, retired, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Laura DeCandia, Johnson & Johnson; (State Theater of New Jersey Board of Directors) Joey Kareem Grinkley, Merck; (New Jersey State Theater Board of Directors) Craig Guiffre, American Benefits Consulting; Jean McDonnell, Magyar Bank; John Reissner, Magyar Bank; (New Jersey State Theater Board of Directors) Alma Scott, Retired, Johnson & Johnson; Todd Shamy, Kenvue; and (New Jersey State Theater Board of Directors) Robin Suydam, Franklin Mutual Insurance Companies.
Honored with Sarah Chaplin, John Fitzgerald, Wendy Wiebalk and Steven Cahn. Photo by Jeff Auger
After major renovations, State Theater New Jersey celebrated its centennial in December 2021 in a completely renovated theater that includes newly renovated lobbies, brand new restrooms, upgraded HVAC systems, a new elevator to access all levels, and new theater seating. Originally built as a silent movie theater and vaudeville palace, the State Theater’s historical significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theater New Jersey ” could be streamed online.
Today, State Theater is the largest performing arts center in central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since its reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theater New Jersey is a rock cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact in and around New Brunswick of more than $18 million annually. Headline shows have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Programs offered include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, school performances and sensory presentations.
State Theater New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Middlesex County Board of Commissioners has provided grant funding through a grant from the Middlesex County Arts and Cultural Trust Fund.
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