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From The Observer News
(www.observernews.net) Over Coffee Since 1988 The Phantom of the Opera had been thrilling Broadway audiences. It has been called the “ultimate Broadway event” and “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best” in magazines like Variety and New York City stage promotional brochures.
I only ask for my coffee black when I can see it is going to be really good, and the smell from the pot told me this would be one of those times. While enjoying our coffee, Robyn went over her plans to make this year’s event different from other years. That’s not an easy task when the ball has been called such things as “the event of the season” and even with a capacity of 400, always has a long waiting list. The last two years, the event was chaired by Barbara Van Eyecken, and she’s a hard act to follow. Robyn showed me last year’s brochures, when Barbara got the idea of selling color advertising to help the charity even more. The brochures were beautifully done, as was the ball. OK- Robyn’s challenge was to make hers different from the last 23 (this year’s is the 24th annual ball) and still net a good amount of money for Samaritan Services programs that provide a host of services for people in and around Sun City Center. “I love Phantom of the Opera, and I loved the idea of a masquerade ball,” Robyn said. “Then I got the idea of printing up cards with masks on them- and providing masks to guests at the door.” Robyn, who along with her husband, Tom, has been here 25 years and knows the community well through their financial business, called on help from many of her regular clients. Ideas were forthcoming and now she is busy interviewing bands and caterers and finding theme decorations that will make guests eyes pop out. One new thing she has already come up with is the idea of a dedication line in the advertising. Before, ads started at $175 but her idea is to have a $50 ad for things like, “In memory of my husband John Doe…” or “In thanksgiving for my four healthy grandchildren….” This dedication line would not be for businesses to promote products and would give individuals who cannot afford to pay more than $50 a way to help the charity and put their memorials and dedications out for others to see. Because of the rising costs of food and catering and everything else, the ticket price will also be going up, she said. “Plus, WCI always gave us use of the Kings Point auditorium free, but now that the residents own it, we have to pay the ballroom for two nights – one to decorate- and of course, then a second room the day of the event for the caterers to work in,” she said. These costs will run about $700 and the ball committee is hoping it won’t cut too much from the charity’s take. Last year $36,899 was raised after expenses,” Robyn said. “Barbara did a wonderful job for two years.” Although last year’s event will be a hard act to follow, Robyn says she thinks people will enjoy the surprises she is planning. “The Phantom is such a wonderful affair. We must, of course, have an organ.” All the “trappings” of the opera must be present as well. When I left the Payant Financial Building I wondered if Robyn and Tom might somehow find a disfigured genius to haunt the catacombs beneath a replica of the Paris Opera and exert strange control over a young female vocalist as the opera’s theme dictates. I’ve found that in cases like these, one never knows until the night of the actual event, which this year, will be Feb. 6. People with questions about donating, helping, buying tickets or ads may call the Payant office at (813) 633-7333. *Perhaps you have something you’d like to share. Or maybe you’d rather tell the community about your favorite charity or cause: or sound off about something you think needs change. That’s what “Over Coffee” is about. It really doesn’t matter whether we actually drink any coffee or not (although I probably will). It’s what you have to say that’s important. E-mail me any time and suggest a meeting place. No matter what’s going on, I’m usually available to share just one more cup. Or maybe you’d like to tune into the new radio show I’m hosting, “The Uncensored Reporter.” It’s available across the country on both AM and FM radio but so far I haven’t found out the call numbers for our area so I just direct everyone to www.themicroeffect.com on their computers Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-to-4 p.m. It’s a call-in show so maybe you’ve got some ideas or comments you’d like to share on the air. Just click on “Listen Live” and give it a whirl. © Copyright 2008 by The Observer News Publications and M&M Printing |
