Chance Board of Directors and Mayor Ashleigh Aitken & Michael Penn invite you to…

Chance Gala 2023
Once Upon a Chance:

An Enchanted Evening Celebrating 25 Years of Storytelling

» Saturday, October 7th

Our exclusive gala event will dazzle you with enchanting cocktails, elegant dining, a scintillating auction, and spirited performances by Chance artists. Oh, and make sure to bring your lucky amulets because magic and intrigue are in store for you! The best part? Your presence will help us raise funds to support our artistic programs, education and outreach efforts, new play development, and the incredible artists who make it all possible!

Inaugural Legacy Arts & Humanitarian Honoree 

Bette Aitken

Visionary Leadership

This award acknowledges outstanding community members who have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Orange County and Chance Theater.

Once upon a Chance in 2013, our amazing Queen Bette embarked on a little adventure (or as she called it, a “quick errand”) that led her down La Palma Avenue. As she journeyed, her eyes fell upon a theater marquee nestled below street level. Without a second thought, she pulled into the parking lot and ventured inside.

Little did Chance Theater know, they were about to meet one of the truest and dearest friends they’ve ever had.

Bette helped the Chance evolve from a modest 70-seat theater into a magnificent, state-of-the-art multi-stage venue that would proudly bear the name Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center.

Bette’s unwavering dedication and boundless generosity towards the arts have not only transformed Chance Theater but have also touched countless lives. Her guidance has been a beacon of light, shaping a more compassionate, connected, and creative world.

For these and countless other reasons, Chance Theater is thrilled to honor Bette Aitken with the inaugural Legacy Arts & Humanitarian Award for being a truly remarkable visionary leader!

---

at the home of her daughter and son-in-law,
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken &
Michael Penn

4:30 p.m. – Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, and Silent Auction
6:00 p.m. – Dinner, Live Performances, and Award Presentation

 

---

Special Thanks

Gala Hosts
MAYOR ASHLEIGH AITKEN & MICHAEL PENN

Underwriting Party Sponsors
CHRISTINA & TIM RICE

Table Sponsors

BETTE & WYLIE AITKEN

THE FAMILY OF MARY KAY FYDA-MAR

DORIS LONGMEAD

CHRISTINA & TIM RICE

Platinum Event Sponsors

LINDA & TOD WHITE

Angel Event Sponsors

ANAHEIM PUBLIC UTILITIES

MARTIN BENSON

PARKER S. KENNEDY

TROY & JEANIE ROE

SALLY ANN CATERING

CHRIS & STEVE SUMPTER

Patron Event Sponsors

SUSAN BOWMAN & FREDDIE GREENFIELD

BRUCE GOODRICH

DAVID & JUDY JOSS

DAN KEE & JUDY TODD

VINNIE & HOYLE LEIGH

DORIS LONGMEAD

DAVID & DANICE LIMBERG

PATRICK & JOLYNN MAHONEY

RACHELLE MENAKER & EDDIE SCHULLER

THOMAS SAFRAN & ASSOCIATES

 

---

Oanh Nguyen, Executive Artistic Director
Casey Long, Managing Director

Board of Directors

Bruce Goodrich, Chair
Susan Bowman, Vice-Chair
Andy Lamb, Treasurer
Larry Cripe, Secretary
Rachelle Menaker, Immediate Past Chair
Bette Aitken
Martin Benson
Freddie Greenfield
Elizabeth Jones
Terry Schomburg
Laurie Smits Staude
Mary Kay Fyda-Mar, member emeritus

 

Chance Theater is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
EIN# 11-3679644