Memories that aren’t Make Believe

It seems like years—not months—have passed since we rocked out together at the Make Believe Ball this year.

On March 7, 2020, 414 guests gathered to experience a glam rock evening, while exploring First Stage’s new musical, THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS. Families, decked out with sequins and sneakers, enjoyed a special night filled with kids’ activities, a large silent auction, a live auction, dinner, and of course, dancing!

This year’s Make Believe Ball rock n’ rolled past our fundraising record, and raised $211,544—through sponsorship, live and silent auctions, donation appeal, raffle, and various smaller fundraisers throughout the evening. Proceeds directly support First Stage’s mission of touching hearts and transforming lives, providing professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community.

First Stage looks back with great fondness and gratitude for all who made our annual fundraiser such a success.

Melissa and Chris Marschka, chelsea ann bell photography

“Our family had such a great time at the Make Believe Ball, you could feel a certain energy and excitement this year with everyone bringing their personal style and rock 'n roll flair to the event. The musical number by the young performers was electric and energized the crowd! And, as always, the dancing was a favorite part of the night for our family… we could have danced all night long in our sneakers! It has become even more apparent to us in the last few weeks how fortunate we were to have the opportunity to celebrate with the First Stage community and make memories with our family and friends.”

– Melissa and Chris Marschka, Make Believe Ball Co-chairs

Thank you to our all of our volunteers, committee members, and generous sponsors who made this year’s Make Believe Ball truly one to remember!

Gold Sponsor:

PNC

Silver Sponsors:

AO Smith

Baird

Fiduciary Management, Inc.

KPMG

Northwestern Mutual

Bronze Sponsors:

Associated Bank

BMO Wealth Management

Foley & Lardner LLP

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Hupy and Abraham, S.C.

Johnson Controls

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

We Energies

Family Sponsors:

The Esten Family

The Field Family

The Guy Family

The Hirano Family

The Kramer Family

The Lantz Family

The Marschka Family

The Orr Family

Special Thanks to:

Adrienne & John Grunau

Beechwood Sales & Service

Cargill

Chelsea Ann Bell Photography

Creative Enterprises

Essam Elsafy - Shorewest Realtors

Gramoll & Associates, Inc. an American Family Insurance Agency

Kapco, Inc.

Moles & Ferri Orthodontic Specialists

Ogletree Deakins

Paul Ruffolo Photography

Sargento Foods