2021 Gala
Hop on the GLCFA soul train for an unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of a classic era! The Center invites you to travel back to Hitsville U.S.A. for a spectacular Gala event, Saturday, July 10, Motown Soul – Featuring the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight! This supreme evening features a VIP Dinner with a live auction, Gala Concert by Gladys Knight followed by a Rhythm & Blues Bash. Experience the Motown magic, the original Sound of America, like never before at this fabulous fundraiser at the Center.
Due to potential capacity restrictions, a smaller number of guests will be allowed to purchase tickets at this time. Currently, only sponsorship level tickets are available.
All proceeds from the Gala benefit the Center’s mission to inspire, entertain, educate, and serve all in Northern Michigan year-round by presenting exceptional experiences across the full spectrum of the performing arts and offering impactful educational opportunities.
Gala Concert
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul, has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance.
In her first effort since 2013’s “Another Journey” – Knight’s 8th solo effort – last summer marked the release of “Where My Heart Belongs,” which recently won an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Gospel Album.” Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade.
Leading the classic group Gladys Knight and The Pips, Knight achieved iconic status releasing some of the most memorable songs of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Top 10 gold-certified singles like the #1 smash “Midnight Train to Georgia” established Gladys Knight and The Pips as the premier pop/R&B vocal ensemble in the world. In 1995, Knight earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the next year, Gladys Knight and The Pips were inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. In 1998, she and The Pips were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. In 2004, Knight received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the annual BET Awards ceremony.
A tireless performer who still wows audiences around the country and the world, Knight also finds the time to make forays into film and television. In addition to numerous other television credits over the years, in 2019 Knight returned to the small screen in the Lifetime original movie Seasons of Love.
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Liability Release Waiver
All patrons of events at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts agree to the terms of the Liability Release Waiver.
Individual Sponsorships
Honorary Chair | $50,000 (FULFILLED)
- Recognition from Center Stage
- Twelve prime tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
- Distinguished recognition on all materials
- Personal onsite concierge for the duration of the evening
- VIP reserved seating for all evening events
Co-Chair | $25,000
- Recognition from Center Stage
- Eight prime tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
- Distinguished recognition on all materials
- Personal onsite concierge for the duration of the evening
- VIP reserved seating for all evening events
Committee | $12,000
- Eight prime tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
- VIP reserved seating for all evening events
Maestro | $6,000
- Four tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
Director | $3,000
Two tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
Soloist | $1,500
One ticket to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
Corporate Sponsorships
Included in All Sponsorships
- Recognition from Center Stage
- Company name listed in the Gala program
- Recognition in all printed and digital materials
The invitation print deadline has passed, the deadline for being included in the program is June 17.
Diamond Event Sponsor | $50,000
- Twelve prime tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
- Naming rights to the Gala Concert with prominent logo placement
- VIP reserved seating for all evening events
- Personal onsite concierge for the duration of the evening
Platinum Event Sponsors | $25,000
- Eight tickets to VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
- Naming rights to choice of:
Rhythm & Blues Bashor VIP Dinner - VIP reserved seating at the Rhythm & Blues Bash
- Logo on cocktail napkins at the
Rhythm & Blues Bashor VIP Dinner
Gold Event Sponsors | $12,000
- Six tickets to the VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
Silver Event Sponsors | $6,000
- Four tickets to the VIP Dinner, Gala Concert, and Rhythm & Blues Bash
2021 Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Individual Sponsors
Honorary Chairs
- Daniel and Pamella DeVos
Co-Chairs
- Lin and Herb Henkel
- Amy and Paul Heuerman
- Bill and Barbara Parfet
- Sonja Hoel Perkins and Jonathan Perkins
Committee
- Anonymous
- Bill and Gigi Clements
- The Cobb Family
- Bill and Marilyn Crawford
- John Hegener and Jane Warner
- The Mansfield Family Foundation
- Gilbert and Sandy Mosher
- Larry and Kathy Oswald
Maestro
- Nancy DeCastro and Tim Sparks
- Kathleen Glass
- Robert and Pat Hemingway Hall
- Jane and John B. McCoy
- Tom and Ann Stallkamp
- Ronald Weiser and Barrie Bender
Director
- James and Denise Anderton, IV
- BDA & Associates
- Tom and Maureen Bickersteth
- Don and Jan DeFosset
- Brian and Fernanda Fisher
- Curt Harrison
- Paul and Nancy Knapp
- Irving and Susan Levy
- Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Nachtrab
- George and Andrea Peck
- Robert and Annette Pocica
- Craig and Irene Rogerson
- David and Robin Small
- Keith and Kristi Stinson
Soloist
- Lois Aroian
In-Kind Sponsor
Questions?
For any questions, please contact the Development Office at 231.439.2600 or [email protected]