The State Theatre New Jersey will honor Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios and the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders at the 2017 State Theatre Benefit Gala on May 13.
In 2015, the freeholder board established the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund, the goal of which is to integrate the arts more fully into county life. The freeholders allocate $10 million from the Trust Fund annually to be used exclusively to develop new cultural and arts facilities, as well as restore, improve and maintain the facilities already treasured by Middlesex County. The funds also are used to encourage arts education for residents through support of quality arts education programs, including those sponsored and conducted through qualified nonprofit arts organizations, and also provides general support to projects and programs whose purpose is to recognize and preserve the history and heritage of Middlesex County, including recognizing and honoring veterans.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. at The Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, and the performance will begin at 6 p.m. at the nearby State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave. In addition to the show, which will feature Audra McDonald of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” gala guests will have a pre-performance cocktail reception, post-performance dinner dance with an open bar, auctions and live entertainment from the Gerard Carelli Orchestra.
Gala tickets are $700. A portion of each ticket price represents a tax-deductible contribution to the State Theatre. For tickets, call 732-247-7200, ext. 543.
