State Theatre New Jersey Honors Douglas and Diane Garback

New Brunswick, NJ —State Theatre New Jersey will honor Douglas and Diane Garback of the Garback Agency at the 2018 State Theatre Benefit Gala on Saturday, May 12, 2018 featuring Grammy Award®-winning artists Kool & The Gang.

“Doug and Diane are true champions of the arts and we are proud to honor them at this year’s State Theatre Benefit Gala,” said Scott Fergang, Chair of the State Theatre New Jersey Board of Trustees. “Their generous donations, dedicated work on Gala committees, and of course, Doug’s role as a State Theatre Trustee - including his years serving as Chairman - have meant so much to this organization and we look forward to honoring them.”

Serving the local community for over 30 years with Prudential—The Garback Agency, gives back to their local community. With their drive to help guide clients to their own personal financial wellness goals, participating in something bigger than the local firm became a priority. The office location in North Brunswick (just one block from New Brunswick) enabled Doug and Diane to frequent State Theatre, and thereby foster a true fondness for the local arts.

“Supporting the arts through State Theatre New Jersey has been a passion for both of us over the years,” said Doug and Diane Garback. “Donating our time by serving on various committees has been a way of giving back to our local community as we truly believe charity begins at ‘home.’ Donating through gifts (along with matching gifts by Prudential) was equally as important to us for the future sustainability of the theater.”

Gala Information

The Gala festivities begin at 5pm at The Heldrich Hotel and the performance will begin at 6pm at State Theatre New Jersey. In addition to the show, Gala guests will enjoy a pre-performance cocktail reception, post-performance dinner dance with an open bar, fabulous auctions, and live entertainment from The Jersey Joint. The Benefit Gala, State Theatre New Jersey’s biggest annual event, underwrites the State Theatre’s artistically-acclaimed programming and nationally-recognized education programs. A portion of each tick price represents a tax-deductible contribution to the State Theatre. Benefit Gala tickets are $700. For Benefit Gala tickets please email rsvp@stnj.org

The 2018 Benefit Gala Co-Chairs are John S. Fitzgerald (Magyar Bank) and John Reissner (Magyar Bank), and Vice-Chairs are Linda Piscadlo (Retired, Johnson & Johnson), Matt Taylor (Moody’s Investors Service) and Tracy Taylor (Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey). The 2018 Benefit Gala Corporate Co-Chairs are Timothy J. Brown (MetLife) and Craig J. Guiffre (American Benefits Consulting).

Douglas and Diane Garback of The Garback Agency are this year’s Patron Honorees. The State Theatre’s 2018 Leadership in the Arts Award will be presented to Betty Wold Johnson; and the Corporate Honoree Award will be presented Bank of America.

About the Gala Artist

Grammy Award®-winning artists Kool & The Gang have influenced the music of three generations and with over 70 million albums sold worldwide their funk and jazz arrangements have made them one of the most sampled bands of all time. Kool & The Gang’s hits include “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” “Open Sesame,” and “Celebration.” In addition to their two Grammy Awards®, they’ve earned seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums.