Party On: DRAA's On Broadway Gala Raises Over A Quarter of Million Dollars For The Arts
Oct 25, 2022 05:14PM ● By Photography by Ben KrantzOn October 2, leaders in the arts and civic communities came together in downtown Walnut Creek for a smashing evening of fine dining, exciting entertainment, specialty libations, and a rousing live auction. Co-chaired by Catharine Baker and Bob Power, this year’s edition of Diablo Regional Arts Association’s (DRAA) annual On Broadway gala brought in over $250,000 to support programming at the Lesher Center for the Arts. (LCA)
DRAA Board President David Julius, PhD, Professor UCSF (and recent Nobel Prize recipient), and DRAA Executive Director Peggy White welcomed guests to the sounds of Phat Strad, America’s original female rock electric string quartet. Presented in partnership with showstopping corporate sponsors Chevron, Kaiser Permanente, Miller Starr Regalia, JP Morgan Chase, ParkSmart, and the Lesher Foundation, gala-goers tucked into tables on the outdoor Rudney Plaza where a seasonal feast by Dan Ripley Catering paired with California wines and cocktails was served.
The effervescent Renée Lubin, “resident diva” at Beach Blanket Babylon for over 33 years, took center stage performing Nat King Cole’s “Route 66” and Etta James’ “At Last” to exuberant applause. A thrilling live auction followed with a private dinner for twelve by Executive Chef Stewart Beatty of Postino at a private home on Save Mount Diablo's sprawling Curry Canyon Ranch bringing in $20,000. A coveted photo op with actor Henry Winkler was another bidding hit, before the party continued on the dance floor.
A nationally recognized presenter of great art and artists, as well as a dynamic arts education programs for youth, Diablo Regional Arts Association is the nonprofit partner of the Lesher Center for the Arts.