Theater Gala Brings Out Stars, Raises $500K+ Click here for a photo gallery from the event
Autism Speaks Co-founders and Event Co-chairs Suzanne Wright (second from right) and Bob Wright (left) with Honorary co-chairs and friends Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.
A gala benefit at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Conn., on Nov. 30, 2006, raised more than $500,000 for Autism Speaks. Hosting the event were Co-chairs Suzanne and Bob Wright, and Laurie Lister and Judd Burstein, honorary Co-chairs Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, and Elaine and Christopher Plummer.
An English Victorian-themed cocktail party and dinner preceded a stirring production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Tazewell Thompson. Following the performance there was a live auction of a stay at a 15th century villa in Tuscany, a luxury box for a New York Giants game, a package of super-exclusive VIP passes to NBC Universal shows, theme parks, and film premieres, and a magnificent gold Maltese Cross Cuff bracelet encrusted with diamonds. A post-performance champagne and dessert reception, attended by Thompson and many of the show's cast members, concluded the evening.
The gala was underwritten by Megan and Larry Foley, Mitchells of Westport/Richards of Greenwich and the Wrights.