January 15, 2004

A WINTER'S INTERMEZZO GALA RAISES MORE THAN $300,000 FOR EDUCATIONAL AND PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS

The Woodlands, TX, Jan. 15, 2004 - A Winter's Intermezzo fund-raising gala, held Jan. 10 at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, raised more than $300,000 for the educational outreach programs and performing arts events at The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
"It was a very successful event in terms of how many guests were there and how much money was raised to support the performing arts and many of the educational outreach programs we offer at The Pavilion," said President and CEO Jerry MacDonald. "Last year, more than 26,000 students participated in programs such as Musical Scores, Jazz Day, Fine Arts Education Day and Children's Festival. Funds raised at the gala will go a long way in making those programs available to more students in the future."

"A Winter's Intermezzo was a celebration to ensure that The Pavilion continues to enhance the programs and expand accessibility to families throughout our communities," said Pavilion Chairman of the Board and Gala Host Robert Marling. "Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the gala was an exciting start to The Pavilion's 2004 performing arts season."
One of the highlights of the evening was a drawing to determine the winners of a 2004 BMW Z4 Roadster, a European trip for two and a ladies' Baume & Mercier diamond-trimmed watch. More than 900 tickets were sold at $100 each since a gala kick-off party in July. Gary Einem of Spring, Texas, was the winner of the BMW. George Mitchell of The Woodlands was the winner of the European vacation. And Ed Jones of The Woodlands was the winner of the watch.

"I know this sounds cliché, but I've never won anything before in my life," said Einem upon being notified by telephone that he had won the car. "We've been coming to The Pavilion for years but never dreamed it would result in something like this. We are thrilled!"

The BMW Z4 Roadster was provided by BMW of Houston North. The Baume & Mercier watch was generously donated by Donoho's Jewellers in The Woodlands. The airline tickets for the European vacation were provided by Continental Airlines, official airline of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. And hotel accommodations for the European trip were courtesy of InterContinental Hotels.

The evening's entertainment featured brief performances by a brass quintet from the Houston Symphony and Dancer Lauren Anderson with Houston Ballet. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy took the stage following dinner for a "high-octane, nitro jive" performance featuring swing dancers from Houston Swing Out.

A quartet from The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra provided classical music during the reception in the lobby of The Resort. Dancers from Boni's Dance & Performing Arts Studio performed the "Acceleration Waltz" by Johann Strauss Jr. as guests entered The Resort's Grand Ballroom.

"The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center made it an incredible evening by serving a world-class meal and providing exemplary service before, during and after the event," said Shannon Wilson, marketing director for The Pavilion and gala committee member. "They also did a phenomenal job with the decorations. You really were in a winter wonderland, especially when you entered the Grand Ballroom filled with fog and falling snow. It was amazing."
Host chairpersons for the gala were Kim and Robert Marling. Co-chairs were Suzanne and Mike Rose and Brenda and David Gottlieb.

For more information about A Winter's Intermezzo or other events at The Pavilion, visit pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.
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