Aurora Theatre Hosts 2013 Barbara Awards Gala Celebration Tonight

Aurora Theatre, Gwinnett's only professional theatre, presents the 2013 Barbara Awards Gala Celebration tonight, February 11, 2013. This year, the awards, named in honor of arts philanthropist Barbara Howard, will honor a couple who truly built Aurora Theatre's new home and for whom our stage is named, Clyde and Sandra Strickland. After providing the lead gift for Aurora Theatre's Creating the Castle Capital Campaign, they continue their critical support as Season Sponsor and Sustaining Patron.

Clyde and Sandra Strickland have been a vibrant part of our community for many years, and have become perhaps Gwinnett County's most active philanthropists. In the last few years alone, they have given generously to the Gwinnett Medical Center, Hope Clinic, and Rainbow Village. Other outstanding efforts include: Gwinnett Historical Society; American Cancer Society; Habitat for Humanity, and the Central Gwinnett Cluster Foundation. This night will be an opportunity for all to honor their tremendous contributions to this region.

Befitting of the grandeur of Aurora Theatre, this event is a night of spectacular performances, great food, complimentary champagne and the excitement of an awards ceremony...All in one magical evening! The Barbara Awards recognize the best shows and individual performances from Aurora's 2011-2012 season as voted on by Aurora patrons. Voters will get to weigh in on record-breaking musicals like A Chorus Line and Clyde 'n Bonnie: A Folktale or critically acclaimed plays like A Body of Water and Fox on the Fairway when they go to the Aurora Theatre website. Merriment begins at 7pm with a red carpet entrance and fabulous reception followed by the awards ceremony at 8pm including musical performances from Aurora's brightest stars led by Ann-Carol Pence and her band! Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and include a $25 per person tax-deductible donation. Sumptuous heavy hors d'oeuvres by Celebrate the Occasion Catering will be served. A cash bar is also available. So dress up and come out for a fun-filled evening that has all the spectacle of a major awards ceremony.

Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez on what makes the Barbara Awards special, "Ann-Carol and I try to make sure that the patrons, sponsors and artists who come here to share their talents feel appreciated. The great party that board member Amanda Martin throws every year gives all of us a chance to show appreciation for each other. "

Ann-Carol Pence, Associate Producer feels so lucky to know Clyde and Sandra. "I call Sandra my angel. When we need help, she is a stalwart. When we need a hug, she gives that too. And Clyde is truly a Man of God in the best sense. He works diligently to live his best life. He challenges Anthony and I to live our best lives, too. For that reason, we are better leaders and better human beings."

Clyde Strickland believes everyone has the capacity to be a philanthropist. "Each person can give something ... it really doesn't matter the size of the gift. It's that you give the gift from the heart to help somebody else."