South Florida Sun Sentinel from Fort Lauderdale, Florida • A32

'Grande Crystal Ball5 Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre celebrates milestone season Pi Pi pi Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre (FLCT) will celebrate 60 years at its upcoming "Grande Crystal Ball 60th Anniversary Celebration." To help mark the milestone season, chairs Jeff and Kerry Anne Roschman will host FLCT supporters, alumni and other guests at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina on Feb. 18. "My wife and I are happy to be a part of this momentous occasion for the Children's Theatre," said Jeff Roschman who also serves as the FLCT board chair. "Over the years, FLCT has had the privilege to touch multiple generations. The impact that Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre has made on families and in our community is priceless.

Festivities begin with a pre-cursor event, "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," at Daoud's Fine Jewelry on Jan. 26. During the evening, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, provided by Charcuterie Too and cupcakes by Sweeter Days Bake Shop. A raffle will feature a pair of crystal encrusted LoriBlu stilettos. On Feb.

18, guests are invited to gather for the "Grande Crystal Ball 60th Anniversary Celebration" where the evening will begin with a cocktail reception, underwritten by Southern Wine Spirits, and a silent auction that culminates with a drawing for a pair of multi-color sapphire earrings donated by Daoud's Fine Jewelry. Following the reception, guests will enjoy a dinner and musical performance by FLCT students and alumni. Additional sponsors include: GrayRobinson, P.A.; AutoNation; Honorable Robert Fogan; and MOR Printing. Since 1952, the Children's Theatre has been providing stage productions, quality classroom instruction and confidence-building summer camps. Additionally, the theatre has delivered outreach programming for under-served populations that includes: anti-bullying conflict resolution for at-risk students; literacy programming for fifth graders; and art-infused programming for hospice patients.

Funds generated by the "Grande Crystal Ball" allow the theatre to continue these programs and provide scholarships to underprivileged children. "Celebrating a milestone, such as our 60th anniversary, allows us to reconnect with alumni making a difference in the world and in the arts," said Artistic Executive Director of FLCT, Janet Erlick. "Their stories of success as adults, whether in theatre or not, reinforce the importance of quality art education to a child's growth and development. Alumni credit FLCT for teaching them valuable lessons in communication, dedication, responsibility and collaboration, critical in any personal or professional endeavor." Sponsorship opportunities for the "Grande Crystal Ball" start at $1,500 and reservations are $200 per person. "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" is $25 a person.

FLCT provides cultural and educational opportunities for children, ages 4 through 18. Through year-round classes, camps, productions and outreach programs, FLCT provides children of all abilities the chance to develop creativity, problem solving skills and self-esteem. For more information, visit www.flct.org, call 954-763-6882 or email infoflct.org. a C5 60 a "3 tt. jsS'k, fk.

1 1 it iLil C5 -BplBt IH Above: Nancy Yohe, Sandra Petus, Tiffany Petus, Lauren O'Connor and Sharon O'Connor At left: Ashley Brooks, left, Michael Guarasci and Jeff Roschman r1 Br Nail Above: Nancy Yohe, left, Janet Erlick and Ann.