Dear Friends, 

Welcome to State Theatre New Jersey’s Second Annual Fête at the Farm! Our annual Benefit Gala is our most important fundraising event of the year, and we thank you for being a part of it.  We are especially grateful for your generosity, loyalty, and partnership as we and other arts institutions continue to recover from the pandemic closures. The support of friends like you, who believe in our mission, enables State Theatre to present renowned international artists, sustain arts education programs that enrich children from pre-K through grade 12, and continue the work of overcoming barriers to arts access. 

Tonight, we recognize and pay tribute to two exceptional honorees: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the founders of the Wash & Learn New Brunswick program. Both have impacted our community and State Theatre’s mission in immeasurable ways. 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the leader in advancing health equity in NJ and around the world. They are also an incredible community partner, making a transformational gift to The Next Stage Campaign.   

Gisela Ciancia, Maritza Acevedo, and Anne-Marie McMahon are the founders of the Wash & Learn New Brunswick program, which creates opportunities for students and families to experience playful learning spaces where early literacy resources and time are specifically carved out for parents to talk, read, sing, and create with their young children alongside educators. Held at area laundromats, this program meets children and families where they are to increase literacy.

We thank the Gala Committee for working to make Fête at the Farm a success, and our Gala Chair, Craig Guiffre, for his steadfast commitment to State Theatre. We also extend very special thanks to Robin Suydam and Paul Corkery, Ryck Suydam, and the Suydam family for making their gorgeous farm available to us for this event once more.

On behalf of the State Theatre Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers, we thank you for your generous support and for joining us for this special evening of celebration.