COD Foundation's Entertaining Waves of Japan Gala Feb. 23

College of DuPage Foundation, in support of the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA), hosted “Waves of Japan: Night of Drums and Dreams," a benefit gala, Sunday, Feb. 23 at the MAC, 425 Fawell Blvd. Nearly 200 guests attended this event featuring dinner, Japanese art-making demonstrations, silent and live auctions, and a full-length production by YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan on stage in the Belushi Performance Hall. More than $100,000 was raised to support the COD Foundation’s Major Exhibition Fund and the Summer 2025 exhibition “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World”

The evening began with gala guests mixing and mingling under colorful Japanese lanterns in exquisitely decorated MAC lobby while enjoying an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and the Japanese Night Market-themed menu catered by Blue Plate. During this time guests also watched artisans create origami flowers and animals and bid on silent auction items on display in the CCMA. Auction items included travel opportunities; golf, dining and theater packages; and one-of-a-kind items including a “Smartless” t-shirt signed by Jennifer Aniston, Will Arnet, Jason Bateman, Sondra Bullock and Sean Hayes; an original print by Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick; and pearl jewelry by Cottage Hill Diamonds.

At 6 p.m. a colorful dancing lion led guests into the Belushi Performance Hall where they received a warm welcome by College of DuPage (COD) Interim President Dr. Christine M. Hammond, who also explained how support for the arts is and has always been a key part of COD. Hammond then introduced Karen M. Kuhn, Executive Director COD Foundation, who thanked the gala attendees for their support and the gala and host committees for their hard work creating the unforgettable evening.

Hammond was followed by CCMA Curator Justin Witte, who presented an overview of the multi-faceted “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” coming this summer to CCMA and the MAC. He was followed by MAC Director Diana Martinez, who spoke about the incredible community involvement the had developed around the previous major summer exhibitions, “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” and “WARHOL” and how already more than 15 communities had signed on to play a community partner role for this summer’s “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” exhibition.

Martinez introduced Keith Allen, who led the spirited live auction and paddle raise. Gala Chair Marcie Petersen rounded out this portion of the program by reflecting on her pride in the upcoming exhibition as a continuance of her father’s love of art and culture that made “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” possible in 2021 and opened the door to future exhibitions like this summer’s “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World.”

Following a short break, it was time for the highlight of the evening: the 7 p.m. performance by YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan on the Belushi Performance Hall stage. This powerhouse performance featuring more than 40 taiko drums of different sizes and shapes and traditional Japanese instruments, including the shamisen, shinobue and chappa, channeled the heartbeat of Yamato's homeland into a spectacular show that charmed the audience with talent, athleticism and good-natured humor and elicited two enthusiastic curtain calls.

Gala Chair Marcie Peterson was assisted by a committee of 14 including Morgan Bainbridge, Angela Bender, Sharon D'Alessandro, Debbie Henderson, Karen Kuhn, Nancy Lehrer, Diana Martinez, Rachel McKay, Jon Nadel, Janie Oldfield, Barb Reimann, Rene Richards, Shelley Weiler and Kathleen Yosko.

The Host Committee included Karen and Gene Kuhn, Katherine and Gary Lietz, Mark Curtis Chavez and Aracely Munoz-Curtis, Drs. Christine and Thomas Hammond, Annette and Frank Shoemaker, Diana Martinez, Kathleen Yosko, Hon. Bonnie M. Wheaton, Joan Morrissey, Margaret H. McCoy, Barbara Lemme, ED.D and a member who asked to remain anonymous.

Lead benefit gala sponsors were DuPage Foundation and Steve and Megan Shebik. Additional benefit gala sponsor support was provided by Mark and Marcie Peterson, Aronberg Goldgehn, Annette and Frank Shoemaker, Andy and Kelly Dahle, Christopher B. Burke Engineering and Vistex Corporation.

Established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit foundation.cod.edu or call 630.942.2462.