Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre raises $152K at record-breaking fundraiser

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, a regional nonprofit dedicated to professional musical theater, celebrated a record-breaking fundraiser Sept. 27 when $152,000 was raised at its fourth annual event, "A Night of Musical Splendor."

The fundraiser surpassed the initial goal of $100,000.

Held in an enchanting Anastasia-themed setting, the fundraiser welcomed nearly 200 supporters, many of whom arrived in costume, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The evening's success was further amplified by a generous surprise donation of $50,000 from an anonymous benefactor.

Guests were treated to a variety of engaging activities, including carnival games, a prize table, live painting by David Clemons and performances by national talent including Jenny Shotwell, Melody Munitz of New York City, David Eldridge, Joel Cummings, Dawn Simmons and Magnolia Burke, supported by a live band featuring Eric Haakenson, Dalton Shotwell and Dorene Dundas.

"This is a fabulous event," said Munitz, the featured performer of the evening. "I’ve been to so many in NYC. They need to do events like this one."

The fundraiser was bolstered by an array of over 70 silent auction items and a featured live auction item, “The Sizzler,” donated by The Hagadone Corporation.

The Night of Musical Splendor was hosted by Rose Backs of Elite Auction Inc. and Chuck Ethridge, executive artistic director of Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, with the support of Fundraiser Committee Chair Sandy Clemons and Todd Ohse from DreamSound Audio.

Info: cstidaho.com

    From left, David Eldridge, Chuck Ethridge, Melody Munitz, Ashley Tetzlaff and Magnolia Burke enjoy Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's "Night of Musical Splendor," held Sept. 27.