Mountain Theatre Company hosted their annual fundraising gala event, Spotlight, on Aug. 13. Held at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, this glam rock themed celebration of Mountain Theatre Company’s mission and programming was a huge success.
The evening began with cocktails and a seated dinner where patrons raised a glass and raised support for Mountain Theatre Company’s 85th anniversary and bright future on the Highlands- Cashiers Plateau. As the sun set over the mountains, guests took to the dance floor to dance the night away.
“Spotlight serves as our most important annual fundraising event,” MTC’s Executive Artistic Director, Scott Daniel said, All proceeds provide crucial support to every aspect of our work including programming, operations, and our community outreach programs.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of MTC’s annual Community Spotlight Awards. Three awards were presented to recognize and give focus to companies, organizations, and individuals who have been significant supporters of MTC and of the performing arts in the Highlands-Cashiers community.
The Spotlight Business Award was given to The Kitchen Carryaway & Catering.
“A smart business leader knows the importance of the arts and how it can help diversify and grow a community,” Daniel said. “The Kitchen has provided complimentary catering to our cast welcome lunches during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Suzanne Young and her dedicated staff are constant supporters and ensure that our artists feel like family and members of this community on their very first day in Highlands. The Kitchen team loves to support our creative teams the best way they know how, by feeding us whenever they can!”
The Spotlight Nonprofit Organization Award was given to the Highlands Performing Arts Center to recognize the significant contributions they have made to the local arts community.
“The PAC has done so much to create a wonderful new facility to bring all of the performing arts organizations in Highlands under one roof. Our community is fortunate to have a facility of this caliber to host world-class performances, thanks to the HPAC’s Board of Directors and the visionary leadership of Executive Director, Mary Adair Trumbly. This new space is allowing MTC to create the level of theatre Highlands deserves,” Daniel said.
The Spotlight Community Supporter Award was given to Betty Fisher, one of MTC’s most committed volunteers. Fisher’s love of theatre began while she was a student at the Highlands School where she attended school shows in the building that later became The Highlands Playhouse, the founding location of Mountain Theatre Company.
“Betty is one of our most steadfast ushers, making our patrons feel welcome and bringing a sense of care and love to our theatre,” Daniel noted “Her history with the Highlands School auditorium, the Highlands Playhouse, and now Mountain Theatre Company is a work in continuity and dedication we are honored to recognize.”