SOPAC Gala

The annual SOPAC Gala brings together patrons, community leaders and artists to celebrate SOPAC’s achievements, pay tribute to our supporters and raise significant funds.

Honorees

Mark Murphy, singer-songwriter, owner of Mark Murphy’s Music in downtown South Orange, Chair of the South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) and avid local music supporter.

John Zoubek, longtime Board member and supporter of SOPAC and previously active in several community organizations such as Our Lady of Sorrows Church and Orange Memorial Hospital.

Orange Orphan Society, a foundation which financially supports programs and services for children 18 years and younger residing in the Oranges and Maplewood.

Entertainment

After winning a Grammy Award for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” singer-songwriter Marc Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling musicians. Rooted in the rich ground of American Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Gospel and possessed of a deft storyteller’s pen, he weaves vivid, detailed, often drawn-from-life tales that evoke some of our most universal human feelings: love, hope, faith, joy, heartbreak.

Silent Auction

New this year: whether attending the Gala or not, you can participate in the Silent Auction!

Help us reach our fundraising goals and win some great prizes and unique experiences such as…
• Judith Ripka Jewelry
• 2-nights at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C.
• Timeshare in Lenox, MA
• Giants vs Jets Tickets
• Golf +Lunch for Four at Maplewood Country Club
• Gym Memberships to D&I, Humble, JD, YB, Chaise & the JCC
• Laser Teeth Whitening, Spa Treatments… and so much more!

Place your starting bids, set maximum bid amounts for the items you’re interested in and let our online auction platform, GiveSmart, do the bidding for you! The auction closes Saturday, November 2 at 8:30PM.

Plus, if you would like to get a jump on the season of giving, use GiveSmart to donate to SOPAC Arts Education programs. Once registered, select “DONATE” from the menu to see the various programs you may contribute to, including dance and music residencies, school performances and more.

2019 SOPAC Gala

If you would like more information on sponsorship, journal ads and auction donations, or if you would like to be included on the invitation list, please contact us.

2019 Proud Sponsors

Proud sponsors of the 2019 SOPAC Gala also include:
Sara & Walter Clarke
Anthony & Jennifer Leitner
Mark & Carolyn “Cookie” Mason

2018 SOPAC Gala

We celebrated “New Jersey’s Favorite Small Performing Arts Center” at the annual SOPAC Gala on Saturday, October 27, 2018.  It was a fabulous night of deserving honorees, cocktails, a strolling dinner & dessert, live & silent auctions and entertainment.

At this special event, we honored Juilliard @ SOPAC series sponsor, Samuel M. Convissor, longtime SOPAC supporters, Dan Arrighi & Sam Joseph and music legend and activist, Dionne Warwick. SOPAC presented Ms. Warwick with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening’s entertainment featured Grammy Award-winning Singer-Songwriter Judy Collins.

Special thanks to our proud sponsors and to the Gala Host Committee for their help in ensuring the success of our fundraiser.