Oscar Night Benefit Party At The Kate!

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is a rare thing, says Madison resident Duo Dickinson, who serves on the board of the center, which is more fondly referred to as The Kate.

 “The Kate is extremely rare: virtually new bricks and mortar dedicated to the creative and performing arts,” Dickinson said. “Opened at the height of the worst recession since the Depression, the Kate has been a success with about four events per week on average, open to every type of cultural, artistic and musical performance imaginable from local musical events to live simulcasts of the  New York Metropolitan Opera.”

 But, just like the Met, Dickinson says, The Kate cannot survive on ticket sales alone, and so The Kate is throwing itself a benefit party on Oscar Night, on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Ann Nyberg will serve as a host the evening's festivities

Madison's Ann Nyberg, News 8 WTNH news anchor, will serve as host, along with Kristen Roberts, Comcast regional vice president of public relations.

 Liz Dickinson, also of Madison, is on the event committee and she says she’s excited about the evening, which will include a simulcast of the Oscars in the theater, “substantial” hors d’oeuvres catered by Liv’s, a complimentary glass of champagne, and a cash bar. Attendees will be able to cast a ballot for their favorite nominees and participate in a silent auction.

“It should be a lot of fun for a good cause,” Liz Dickinson said.

Hollywood cocktail attire recommended

 Wondering what to wear? “Hollywood cocktail attire” will do, according to The Kate’s website.

 Duo Dickinson said he and his wife Liz agreed to serve as volunteers for The Kate because “it needs a group of dedicated people to make sure we can keep offering up those hundreds of programs.”

“So I agreed to be on the Board of Trustees, and I really hope we can pack the house at the upcoming Oscar Night. The proceeds from the event will help fill the gap between ticket sales and what it costs to keep the doors open,” he said.

While the event is still several weeks away, event organizers are encouraging people to buy their tickets now before it gets sold out. Tickets are $75 each, and $40 of that is tax deductible, according to The Kate website, where you can get additional information about the event and buy tickets.

To find out more about the important role that volunteers play at The Kate, you can read this blog post from Ann Nyberg. Nyberg also is on the Board of Trustees, along with Dickinson.

If you want to help at The Kate as a volunteer, sign up here.

The Kate is located at 300 Main St., Old Saybrook.