California Center for the Arts, Escondido: ‘Dancing With Our Stars’ Gala Fundraiser

An all-star lineup of prominent community and business leaders will slip on their dancing shoes and compete as part of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s “Dancing With Our Stars” Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, April 2. Gala proceeds will benefit the Center’s education and community outreach programs, which serve over 75,000 people each year.

Community stars will include former Escondido Mayor Lori Holt-Pfeiler and current Escondido Deputy Mayor Mike Morasco. Stars are paired with local and regional dance studio instructors from PGK Dance Project, Tierra Caliente Academy and Performing Arts Workshop, Encinitas. Dance couples will compete in the Center’s 1,500-seat concert hall, emulating the format of the popular reality show, Dancing with the Stars.

Comedian Dallas McLaughlin, who has performed with Louis CK and Norm McDonald, among others, will serve as the gala’s emcee.  An award-winning playwright and director, Dallas currently hosts KPBS’s Film Indiego.

TICKETS

Early-bird VIP tickets can be purchased for $175, and include premium seating, a VIP dinner reception with hosted beer and wine and early bidding for premium silent auction items.

General admission tickets, which range in price from $27-$55, can be purchased online at www.artcenter.org/event/dancing-with-our-stars/.

SPONSORS

This event is generously sponsored by BMW/Mini of Escondido, Standard Pacific Homes, and Newline Sierra. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. More information is available at www.artcenter.org/event/dancing-with-our-stars/ or by calling (760) 839-4124.

Have local stars, will dance for center.

FEATURED DANCERS

Allison Andrews, Founder and Director, Fashion Week San Diego

Jeanelle Brecht, Vice President, BMW/Mini of Escondido

Frank Foster, Co-Founder, A Step Beyond 

Lori Holt-Pfieler, President and CEO, San Diego Habitat for Humanity

Dana Moen, Principal, Classical Academy High School

Mike Morasco, Deputy Mayor, City of Escondido

Trish Sanderson, Community Director, Yelp.com

Kevin Svetich, Owner, CLU Insurance & Investments

Jim Weise, Executive Director, Escondido Community Child Development Centers

ABOUT THE CENTER

With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate both the visual and performing arts, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County.

The Center’s unique campus includes a 1,523-seat concert hall, a 404-seat theater, a diverse art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities. The Center also runs an extensive education program and produces free community events, such as the Jazz Jam Sessions, Holiday Tree Lighting, Day of the Dead, 4th of July and WOW First Wednesdays performances.

The Center is located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. The Ticket Office can be reached at (800) 988-4253. Tickets can also be purchased online. To learn more, including performance dates, times and ticket information, visit www.artcenter.org.