Gala to Celebrate Moorpark Arts

Moorpark’s getting set to party; this time to celebrate and support the arts.

The Moorpark Foundation for the Arts is hosting its second annual benefit gala Aug. 15 at .

The foundation came into existence about a year and a half ago with the mission to support Moorpark’s arts. Its main thrust so far has been bolstering activities at the city’s historic theater on High Street. It’s donated money for a new scrim, lights and other expenses. It’s also provided a number of scholarships for the summer youth theater program.

“I think we have done a fantastic job,” said Stuart Cooper, Foundation president, in regards to the approximate $20,000 the volunteer organization has raised so far through donations, memberships, proceeds from the theater’s snack bar, opening night events throughout the season and last year’s inaugural gala.

But one of the Foundation’s goals is to get the Arts Center to eventually stand on its own, apart from the City’s financial support. For it to be totally independent and cover all of its operating costs, the theater, with the Foundation’s help, would have to bring in about $130,000 annually.

"I think we can achieve it," said Cooper.

To do that, he said raising awareness about the theater and the level of its productions is key.

"I'd like to see a full house every night," he said and he's hopeful the gala later this month will help with that goal, as it did last year.

"It helped us to reach out to people we hadn't met before. I know it was a success because a lot of people came to see shows who had never been before and they continued to come," said Cooper.

This year’s gala will feature a buffet with some signature dishes by Chef Fabio Viviani (of Top Chef fame) and cocktails by co-owner and mixologist Jacopo Falleni.

There will also be a silent auction and opportunity drawings. Some of the auction items include a chef’s table for six at Cafe Firenze with Viviani, a golf package, a Direct TV package, pieces of art and more.

Tickets for the gala are $95 per person. Reservations are available online at the Foundation for the Arts website.