Fundraising Gala to Honor Bucks Commissioner

Come for fundraising, stay for the arts.

That could be the mantra for Saturday night's black tie optional gala to support the Bristol Riverside Theatre.

The 26-year-old performance arts venue situated in Bristol Borough is staging an event to recognize Bucks County Commissioner Robert Loughery, who, according to Stephanie King, the theatre's individual and corporate giving manager, was instrumental in helping BRT secure an $85,00, interest-free five-year loan from Bucks County.

"He has always been a big supporter of the arts," King said, adding that the theatre has recently added a new scene shop, and a new rehearsal space. "We have a lot of buildings all over Bristol."

On Saturday, the theatre's surrogate building for the event, National Penn Bank, 200 Radcliffe St., in Bristol Borough, will house hors d'oeuvres and desserts, musical entertainment, a silent auction with prizes including tropical vacations and Broadway tickets, and, of course, entertainment from the theatre's current performance, "The Pirates of Penzance."

King said she hopes to have 150 or more people in attendance.

Proceeds will help subsidize student and senior tickets and produce more than 200 performances a year, she said.

"We’ll be able to continue programs that get students in the door and people who can’t necessarily afford a normal ticket will be able to come to the theatre," King said. 

The theatre continues to fare well even in light of the down economy, she said. Besides theatre productions, the venue offers concerts and comedians year-round.

"We bring so many people to Bristol. We have 40,000 patrons every year buying tickets to see shows," King said. "We’re doing quite well, but, of course, we want to continue."

If you go

Bristol Riverside Theatre's 2013 Gala will be held Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. at National Penn Bank, 200 Radcliffe St., in Bristol Borough. Tickets for the black tie optional event cost $100 and can be purchased by clicking here, or calling 215-785-0100.