Purple Rose’s Starlite Ball: A Night of Glamour and Generosity

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) held a dazzling 'Starlite Ball' on May 13th, a "Mad Men"-themed soiree that was an impressive demonstration of community spirit and generosity. The gala, intended to bolster the non-profit theater's programs and day-to-day operations, was held at the recently renovated Weber's Boutique Hotel in Ann Arbor, bringing in an impressive sum of $225,000.

The one-of-a-kind evening was full of nostalgia and charm, complete with Purple Rose actors assuming the guise of 1960s celebrities. The event was further electrified by a thrilling live auction conducted by Lamoreaux & Associates, punctuated by the swinging rhythms of the 10-person band, The Bluewater Kings. The night's proceedings culminated with a captivating performance by Purple Rose Resident Artists K. Edmonds and Brad Phillips, alongside the theater’s founder and artistic director, Jeff Daniels, as they joined The Bluewater Kings for the evening’s closing numbers.

PRTC’s Managing Director, Katie Hubbard, appreciated the event's overwhelming success. “We couldn’t be happier with the results of this very special evening; with such generous giving from the community, local businesses, and so many patrons who love what The Purple Rose Theatre means to their lives and the lives of so many artists.”

“We couldn’t be happier with the results of this very special evening; with such generous giving from the community, local businesses, and so many patrons who love what The Purple Rose Theatre means to their lives and the lives of so many artists”, she declared.

The Purple Rose Theatre extended its gratitude to all those who were instrumental in making the Starlite Ball a resounding success, whether they participated in person, through proxy bidding during the live auction, by volunteering, or by making thoughtful contributions. The theatre recognized the unwavering support of its tireless staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, the City of Chelsea, their fantastic PRTC Director of Donor Engagement, Rob Caplis, and their incredible Donor Services Associate, Cindy Bertsos. Special thanks were also given to PRTC’s dedicated leaders, including Founder/Artistic Director Jeff Daniels, Artistic Associates Lucas Daniels and Rhiannon Ragland, Managing Director Katie Hubbard, and Director of Technical Production Brian Dambacher.

Appreciation was further extended to the Board of Directors for their invaluable guidance and unwavering support, as well as the Starlite Ball's Sponsors, including The Ann Feeney Family, Chelsea State Bank, Rick Taylor Realtor, Chelsea Milling Co., Copper Crate Mercantile and Unique Rentals, Chuck & Susan Craves, John Daniels, Print-Tech, Daniel Moons & Antoinette Pilzner, Josie Wojtowicz & Randy Fotiu.

The Purple Rose also thanked those who generously donated items to the Starlite Live Auction, including American 1 Credit Union, Craig Brass, John Vinkemulder, Chelsea Lumber Company, Chelsea House Victorian Inn, Serendipity Books, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, Whitetail, Withington's, Ugly Dog Distillery, Jeff Daniels, Robert Caplis & Daniels Moons, Steve & Sheila Hamp, Lume Cannabis Co. Ann Arbor, David MacGregor, Dennis & Carolyn Shepherd, Spencer Ann Arbor & Ellen's Fine Goods, and Ken Weber.

The event was more than just a fundraiser; it was a testament to the collective spirit and the power of community support that is crucial in fostering and staging world-class theatre.