WESTFIELD-Stanley Park’s annual gala, “Laughter in the Park,” is being billed as the “Party of the Summer.”
Robert McKean, managing director of Stanley Park, noted it is the first large celebration sponsored by the park in the new Beveridge Pavilion. The pavilion is located next to the flower and rose gardens and near the arboretum.
The gala’s featured entertainer is Las Vegas showman Stephen Caruso, known for his extraordinary juggling routines. The gala is slated for Saturday Aug. 6.
Juggler Stephen Caruso will headline Stanley Park’s gala titled “Laughter in the Park.”
“Stephen Caruso is a very unique performer for the evening’s entertainment,” said McKean.
The gala gets under way at 5:30 p.m. with a greeting and a sample of the “Orange You Funny” signature drink and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner, which begins at 7, features boneless breast of grilled honey lime chicken, grilled filet with port wine stilton demi glaze, seared salmon with jicama mango salsa, and a vegetarian option upon request.
McKean added that the gala has seating for 250 patrons for a “comfortable dining and show experience.”
In addition to the evening performance which starts at 8 p.m., a silent auction is planned as well as several “live” auction items, according to McKean.
“We hope to raise $35,000 from the gala,” said McKean. “Funds will be used to continue the enhancement of providing all access areas in the park and to continue to offer services to the community.”
Reached in Las Vegas, Caruso said he is “excited” to be a part of the fundraiser in Stanley Park.
“I’m going to perform my unique comedy juggling act, and halfway through we are going to have a live auction that people won’t want to miss,” said Caruso. “The gala attendees should be prepared to laugh hard, dodge throwing knives and witness history as I attempt a world record at Stanley Park.”
Caruso noted he is a Gold Medalist juggler and has been awarded the title of “Pennsylvania’s Funniest Comic” by the Keystone Comedy Festival.
“I’m also the creator of a new prop in which I play the popular game, ‘Rock Band,’ while juggling,” said Caruso, adding, “the only person ever to do that.”
Las Vegas showman Stephen Caruso will be the featured entertainment during Stanley Park’s gala fundraiser titled “Laughter in the Park.”
Tickets are $80 per person and sponsorships/tables are also available. Reservations must be made by July 22 and a portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.
McKean encourages area residents to attend the evening affair to support the private, nonprofit organization and its mission since Stanley Park does not receive city or state funding.
“We hope that the event will be a sellout,” said McKean. “The large community we serve have always supported Stanley Park as the ‘Jewel of Westfield.’ This continued support helps keep the facility operating in the memory and legacy of Frank Stanley Beveridge.”
