The 4th Annual Ten Grands concert took place on April 1 to a sold out performance of 2500 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Kathy Fahlman DeWalt, Ten Grands Executive Producer and Eastside resident shared that “this annual concert has become one of the top concerts in Seattle!”
Patrons sat in awe as they viewed 10 beautiful grand pianos being played by 10 amazing pianists. Over 1800 red roses, all anonymously donated, were displayed throughout the venue and on the stage. The roses were later taken to the Evergreen Washelli Veteran’s Cemetery, where each rose was individually placed on a Veteran’s grave by ROTC students who attend Seattle University.
This extravagant affair, with continuous standing ovations and tears of joy, raised over $40,000 for the Snowman Foundation, which provides music education to students all over our state. www.snowmanfoundation.org
Many ballet patrons on the Eastside and in Seattle look forward to watching Pacific NW Ballet Principal dancer Olivier Weavers perform on stage at McCaw Hall. Many of us were surprised to learn that after 22 years as a professional dancer, Olivier has decided to retire from PNB.
His last PNB performance will be Saturday.
He shared “I have had a dream career and have relished every opportunity to grow and learn as an artist. My time as a dancer has been inspiring, challenging, at times painful, but above all, filled with passion.”
He knew that his career as a dancer had a very short time span. He shared that “his second passion was choreography,” and that he will now be the choreographer and artistic director for his own dance company, Whim W’Him”.
Olivier also announced that since he created and presented ‘Monster’ at The Intiman this past January, that this movement will be making its international debut later this month at the 4th Copenhagen International Choreography Competition. ‘Monster’ and ‘Whim’ are one of the 10 finalists. This is a very impressive accomplishment for Olivier and his dancers, in such a short period of time. Good Luck Whim! www.whimwhim.org
Who would have thought that dressing up and playing Bingo would be so much fun. This past Saturday night, that is what 400 of us did.
The 11th Annual Black Tie Bingo took place at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle. Organized by Susan Clark, and her team of volunteers, this festive event featured a silent auction; wine grab; dinner; dessert auction, which alone brought in $40,000; and, of course, playing bingo, where the grand finale winner won five nights in Palm Springs.
Proceeds from this event go toward supporting residents and programs of Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. “The Mount,” as it is affectionately called, is home to 400 adults who need assistance with their daily living or need 24-hour care.
The Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation raises funds to help residents who have outlived their life savings. A total of $125,000 was raised for this passionate, and much needed organization. www.providence.org
