No one can hold a candle to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts—unless, of course, it’s the Segerstrom Center’s annual Candlelight Concert, a gala evening of dining, dancing and entertainment on Friday, December 6, that is expected to raise more than $2 million in support of The Center’s artistic and education programs.
“We have a very ambitious goal this year—I want to reach $2.2 million,” said Betty Huang, this year’s Candlelight Concert chair, at a recent luncheon at AnQi restaurant honoring past event chairs. “We started in April with $200,000, and now we’re almost to $2 million.”
Huang praised her event committee, which includes many community leaders and longtime Center supporters.
“I am so pleased to be working with Dee Higby, my vice chair, and a wonderful committee,” noted Huang. “This year, our honorary chairs are the previous Candlelight Concert chairs. They represent our history and the countywide commitment to the Center. Our honorees and the many community members that they inspired helped build our arts center.”
Huang said she and her committee have been planning the event since February, and are looking forward to finally seeing that planning pay off.
“It’s been a very nice experience, but it’s also like carrying a baby for 10 months,” she observed with a laugh. “The delivery is coming.”
“I also know how much The Center has done for arts education. I really am very proud and glad to be part of the Segerstrom Center because they
have done so much for the community,” she added. “Proceeds from this year’s Candlelight Concert will go far in supporting and increasing arts education.”
In addition to offering world-class arts presentations, The Center is the largest provider of arts education of any arts organization on the West Coast, and their programs reach hundreds of thousands of students of all ages throughout southern California.
“I offer my deepest gratitude to those in our community who have supported Candlelight Concert and the Center throughout the years and will again this year,” said Center Chairman Lawrence M. Higby in a statement. “Since the very first evening, Candlelight Concert has raised $30 million. Everyone’s generosity helps the Center contribute to a vibrant cultural life in Orange County.”
For tickets to Candlelight Concert, contact Stephanie Jernigan at (714) 556-2122 ext.4247 or via e-mail at SJernigan@SCFTA.org.
