CATA25: GALA & PERFORMANCE

02 Apr CATA25: GALA & PERFORMANCE

CATA CELEBRATES MILESTONE 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA & ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

CATA’s largest fundraising event of the year—a celebration of the Berkshires’ dedication to artistry and inclusion

​GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Community Access to the Arts (CATA) presents its 25th Anniversary Gala & Annual Performance on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox Massachusetts. This inspiring event, celebrating 25 years of artistry and inclusion in the Berkshires, brings the creativity of people with disabilities to the public.

CATA’s Annual Performance is the culmination of hundreds of performing arts workshops which serve over 700 people with disabilities in Berkshire and Columbia counties. CATA artists hone their talents throughout the year, then take the stage to share their artistry with our community in this powerful performance weekend that includes a Gala evening, CATA’s largest fundraising event.

“The story of CATA is a story of the Berkshires,” says CATA’s Executive Director Margaret Keller. “Since CATA’s founding, the Berkshire community has stood with us to create incredible opportunities for people with disabilities. For over 25 years, our community has helped bring more than 20,000 arts workshops to over 2,000 people with disabilities. Our Annual Performance and Gala brings those experiences together for a powerful showcase, celebrating the artistry of people with disabilities–in dance, drumming, theater, comedy, and more. The range of work is astounding. There are moments that are incredibly moving and provoke tears, and others that are side-splittingly funny. It’s a full artistic experience, and sure to be one of the most inspiring and joy-filled events you’ll see this year.”

This year’s Annual Performance features 30 local performers with disabilities and focuses on the theme of “CATASFACTION”—an exploration into all things that fulfill and satisfy. Through theatre, dance, music and more, the performance highlights the creativity of people with disabilities and celebrates the Berkshire community which has embraced CATA’s mission and made it possible for thousands of people with disabilities to discover their artistic abilities.

Saturday’s Gala festivities begin at 5 p.m., with a performance at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing. The Sunday matinee begins at 1 p.m. Tickets for both performances are available online at CATAarts.org or by calling CATA at (413) 528-5485.

The annual performance is attended by nearly 800 people from the Berkshire community and beyond. CATA’s performing arts workshops for people with disabilities and the culminating performance are made possible by many generous individuals, businesses, and foundations, including:

LEAD UNDERWRITERS: Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, Jim & Joan Hunter, Joseph H. & Carol F. Reich, Steve & Leslie Shatz—UNDERWRITERS: Berkshire Bank, Blue Q, Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation, Anne Fredericks & Marc Fasteau, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Beverly & David Hosokawa, Joyce Linde, Clara Londoner, Elizabeth & Robert McGraw, Kate & Joel Millonzi, MountainOne, Will Osborne & Mary Pope Osborne, Emily Rechnitz & John Paladino—PRODUCERS: Sandra Baron & Gregory Diskant, Berkshire Magazine, Ira & Jami Grossman, Merit, Tony Kiser & Lisa Atkin, Anne Schnesel, Liz & Mark Williams—SPONSORS: Alexandra Dest Capital Management, Apella Capital, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Jeannene Booher, Brava, Canyon Ranch, Neil & Kathleen Chrisman, John & Lois George, Brett & Eve Goldberg, Heather Wells Heim & Matthew Heim, Ann & Peter Herbst, Hillcrest Educational Centers, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Marisa Labozzetta & Martin Wohl, Taryn & Mark Leavitt, Lee Bank, Eleanor Lord & Margaret Wheeler, Sharon A. Mozian, M.D., P.C., Dr. William O’Donnell, Park Square Financial Advisors of Raymond James, Bruno & Mary Ann Quinson, Elaine & Bernard Roberts, Barbara & Michael Rosenbaum, Linda & Frank Russell, Martha Sauer & David Rosenthal, Scarafoni Financial Group, Ben & Elaine Silberstein, Maria Sirois, Tim & Ana Suffish, TD Bank, United Personnel.

About Community Access to the Arts:

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) nurtures and celebrates the creativity of people with disabilities through shared experiences in the visual and performing arts. Our programs take place in partnership with 49 residences, day programs, school, and community settings, serving 700 people with disabilities throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. To learn more about CATA programs and events, visit CATAarts.org.​

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