Anne Krebs, Cliburn Gala Chairman, and John Roach, Underwriting
Chairman: for the third consecutive time this dynamic duo provided
leadership for the Cliburn's annual gala. The 2002 Gala, held March
2 in the ballroom of the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, featured
The Sultans of Swing from New York and showcased fantastic swing
dance routines, with guests voting on their favorites and
contestants dancing with guests.
Carla Thompson was Vice Chairman. Craig Kelly spearheaded a host
committee for a special pre-gala reception to introduce the "next
generation" to Van Cliburn's career. The entire evening earned rave
reviews and was a record-breaking success, raising 130 percent of
its goal. AmeriCredit, thanks to Mike Barrington, headed the list
of generous underwriters and sponsored the outstanding
entertainment. Dedicated committee members, supportive patrons, and
enthusiastic guests and participants all contributed to a great
time.
Proceeds from the gala help support the careers of the Eleventh
Competition winners and sustain all Cliburn programs,
includingMusical Awakenings, which reaches 5000 area elementary
school children each year, and the International Piano Competition
for Outstanding Amateurs, which promotes the art of making music
just for the love of it.
