Mr. Stanley Sanger, Superintendent of Schools of the City of Union City, was guest speaker, and spoke as to the importance of arts education for all children. He applauded the contributions the Grace Theatre is making to the community.
Also in attendance were Commissioner and Board of Education Secretary Christopher Irizarry; Commissioner and Freeholder Tilo E. Rivas; Union City Chief of Police Charles Everett; Wendy Martinez, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Brian P. Stack; and Emilio Del Valle, President of the Latin American Kiwanis of Mid-Hudson.
Father Paco Legarra from Holy Family Church did the invocation and Allison Strong Trujillo sang the National Anthem. The audience was wowed by performances from Kennedy Ng on the piano, Cesar Bare on his acoustic guitar, Amy Smith and Megan Smith dazzling tap dancing, “The Actor of Poetry” Jay Gonzalez with his heart-felt poetic delivery, and The AccoMpanY Dancers with their innovative rhythm dance numbers. But “Russian Sensation in America” Leonid Filatov stole the night with an unbelievable hula-hoop performance.
The Grace Theatre received many awards and recognitions. Dinner and dancing followed the ceremony and performances, and all had a great time. The evening was a huge success, and it will become an annual event.
Father Paco Legarra, Holy Family Church
Allison Strong Trujillo singing the National Anthem
Mr. Stanley Sanger, Superintendent of Schools for the City of Union City
Artistic Directors Megan Smith and Lucio Fernandez receiving a City Proclamation from Chief of Police Charles Everett and Commissioner Christopher Irizarry
Artistic Directors receiving a Proclamation from the County of Hudson from Freeholder Tilo E. Rivas and Commissioner Irizarry
Artistic Directors with Wendy Martinez Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Brian P. Stack
Artistic Directors with Emilio Del Valle, President of the Latin American Kiwanis of Mid-Hudson
Artistic Directors presenting an award of recognition to this year’s outstanding student Fernando Contreras
“Russian Sensation in America” Leonid Filatov
The Smith sisters tapping away.
“The Actor of Poetry” Jay Gonzalez
We would like to give our special thanks to the following organizations and individuals who in great part contributed to the success of our first Benefit Gala.
Governor James McGreevy
Congressman Robert Menendez
Mayor Brian P. Stack & Board of Commissioners
E. Junior Maldonado, Councilman Ward E
Wendy Martinez, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Brian P. Stack
Consul General of the Dominican Republic
Emilio Del Valle, President of the Latin American Kiwanis of Mid-Hudson
Father Paco Legarra
Stanley Sanger, Superintendent of Schools
North Hudson Community Action Corporation, Michael A. Leggiero, President/CEO
Jeff Perlstein of AMTEX Packaging
Café Bustelo
Coca Cola
Five Star Laundromat
Royal Printing Service
Metro Stars
Newark Bears
“Live with Regis & Kelly” ABC
Desfile Cubano de New Jersey
Washington’s Restaurant
EDV Marketing
Alberto Sound
Julian Abio of “Ensalada” on CABLEVISIONWe send a most special thank you to all the performers who so generously donated their time and talent to make this event such a success.