Friends of Aurora Community Theatre celebrated 50 years of comedy, drama, music and fun during the Golden Gala on Sept. 19 held at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora.

More than 140 guests enjoyed a gourmet meal and entertainment reflecting the elegance of the late '50s with a "Salute to Old Blue Eyes," dancing under the stars, silent and live auctions, plus the raffle of a golden wheelbarrow filled with liquid libations.

The Rev. Kevin Horak, frequently seen on the ACT stage, wore a flashy gold tuxedo jacket he discovered in the theater's costume loft. He served as master of ceremonies of the live auction, which included a gourmet dinner for 12 from Twiinz Catering, Dessert of the Month Club from Jean Arbuckle and lunch with Aurora Mayor Lynn McGill.

The gala's honorary chair, Elizabeth "Betts" Colebrook, received a standing ovation for her early and continuous five decades of commitment to the theater. She founded the theater in 1959 with her husband, Jack, and two other couples.

Mrs. Colebrook's daughter, Susan Davidson, and her husband, Dave, joined her table along with Mayor Lynn and Sally McGill, who has directed 17 plays for ACT.

Marianne Paul and Sheila McHale co-chaired the gala, with help from Vicki Rizzo Prato, Karen Haus, Dorothy Edwards, Nancy Lykins, Phyllis Grumney, Jean Arbuckle and Paula Messner. The gala raised more than $38,000 for the theater's capital campaign.

"ACT is so fortunate to enjoy a beautiful performance space," said Paul, president of the theater's board of trustees, "but, like all buildings, it requires upkeep and renovation. Built in 1971, the theater was last updated in 1993 and is in great need of upgrades to our lighting, sound and, by popular demand, improved seating with increased leg room for all patrons. Our audiences, actors and crews deserve a safe and comfortable theater."

Paul extended appreciation to sponsors and table hosts including Connie and Bill Hawke, Scott and Beth McMillen, Sheila and Larry McHale, Nancy Lykins, Dorothy Edwards, Ken and Heidi Sirocky, Paula Messner, Dixie Benshoff Ludick, Joel and Kath Presti, Worldwide Chuck Services, Inc., and Betts Colebrook.

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Laura and Steve Nobil won a golden wheelbarrow filled with wine and liquor donated by ACT Friends.

Neighbors Joe and Nancy Lykins of the Gala committee, Joe and Barb Vero and Judy and Gene Strine
 
Seated, Jim and Randy Lindley, Connie and Bill Hawke, Suzy and Rob Evans, ACT board member and standing, John and Alyssa Errigos, Nancy and Bernard D’Ambrosi
 
Karen Custodio, Mary Kay Moore, Heidi Sirocky, Aurora Mayor Lynn McGill, Jean Arbuckle and Lolly Sabau
 
Marianne Paul, ACT board president and Gala co-chair, Akbar and Olga Naderi, Laura and Steve Nobil, Sheila McHale, Gala co-chair, who along with husband Larry are sponsoring ACT’s winter show, “A Tuna Christmas” Dec. 4 through 12.

ACT founder and Golden Gala Honorary Chair Elizabeth “Betts” Colebrook, at right, with longtime ACT volunteers Phyllis Grumney of the Gala committee and Sally McGill

Patrick Prato, Vicki Rizzo Prato of the Gala committee, Fox-8 TV news anchor and mistress of ceremonies Stefani Shaefer and Roger Shaefer
  
Elizabeth “Betts” Colebrook shares a word with devoted ACT fans, Kathleen and the Rev. Kevin Horak.