Arizona Republic, June 2004

Execs come from around globe to party

Kathy Shayna Shocket/Scottsdale Republic

Larry and Mary Manross (left) attended Saturday night's Valley Youth Theatre gala with their son, John, and his wife, Tulli.

Jun. 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Great cuisine, theater The stations of food at Saturday night's party for Valley Youth Theatre were also impressive. Culinary delights from 12 Valley eateries filled the second-floor lobby of the Herberger Theater Center. Guests mingled and munched on buffet-style cuisine that included tasty shrimp from VooDoo Daddy's Magic Kitchen and salmon mousse with caviar from Copper Square Grill.

Theatergoers including Tom and Alice Ambrose enjoyed the performance of Annie and then gathered for champagne (and lots of great desserts) to toast the cast.

Bill Andrew accepted the 2004 Vytality Award (and that's "vytal" with a "y," as in Valley Youth Theatre) presented to the Andrew Family (of Chicago, who support VYT) for their leadership affecting youths. Also on the guest list was VYT board chairwoman Laura Stover, Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot and Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross with her husband, Larry. Their son, John Manross of Phoenix, who was there with his wife, Tulli, is president-elect of the VYT board.

Partygoer Karen Reece had the winning ticket for the raffle prize. She bought a $20 raffle ticket and won a trip for two for two nights on Broadway to see two shows of their choice. And let's applaud the net raised for the summer event - $133,000. Michael Hammett, VYT's director of marketing, says that's about 25 percent more than they raised last year.

If you have a social item, contact Kathy Shayna Shocket at kathy.shocket@arizonarepublic.com.

DESIGNS by MANROSS
940 S. Park Lane, Suite 4
Tempe, AZ 85281
John Manross
602-721-5103