HAPPY THANKSGIVING from THE TEMPO NEWS STAFF/ WBTT Breaks Fundraising Record During Fall Gala
Thanks to sponsors and supporters, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe raises over $500,000 to support its mission and operations
Sarasota, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) had much to celebrate during its recent 26th anniversary fall gala, “Hitsville USA – Celebrating Motown.” Not only did WBTT honor longtime supporter Doris Johnson and salute the sensational music produced by Motown, the organization marked a new fall gala fundraising milestone, breaking $500,000 in support of its mission and operations (with additional pledges still coming in).
The gala took place on November 15 at The Ora Sarasota. A delicious meal was created especially for WBTT and its guests by Michael’s On East Catering. There were well over 450 community members in attendance.
During the event, longtime supporter and current board chair Doris Johnson was recognized as WBTT’s Heart & Soul Philanthropy honoree. Johnson first became involved with WBTT when she attended a summer show in 2012 and then became a season subscriber; she has been a devoted supporter of WBTT ever since. Johnson served as the chair of WBTT’s successful Heart & Soul capital campaign, which raised $8.7 million to renovate the organization’s campus and buildings, and then became WBTT’s board chair in 2020, expertly helping the organization to navigate the turbulent waters of the pandemic.
“When I joined WBTT 10 years ago, I never imagined I would one day be honored this way,” said Johnson during her acceptance speech. “In fact, I’m still not sure I’ve done anything deserving of an award because, truthfully, this theatre has given me far more than I have given it. It has given me joy. It has given me purpose. It has given me community.”
Numerous WBTT fan favorite professional artists and Stage of Discovery students performed during the event; WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs created and directed the show, Etienne “EJ” Porter served as Music Director for the live band, and Donald Frison was the choreographer. Guests filled the dance floor for hits by renowned Motown superstars including Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, and more.
The fundraising included a silent auction for two round-trip tickets to anywhere United Airlines flies, and a spirited paddle raise.
Johnson kicked off the paddle raise with words of inspiration, stating, “Growth is not a guarantee. It is a responsibility,” she said. “Tonight, we are not asking for charity, but inviting you to invest in excellence. To invest in a Sarasota that values culture and creativity, and in a theatre that has become a cornerstone of this community. When you raise your paddle, you are affirming a belief in what the stories on the stage of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe can do.”
Co-chairs were Carolyn Anderson and Nancy Flanagan. Among the leading sponsors were Dona and Sam Scott, Ali and Gloria Bahaj, Sheila Jellison, Lee and Lydia Rainer, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
To learn more about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists, and builds self-esteem in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
