SCERA honors supporters of arts

OREM — Jerry Elison, longtime drama teacher at Orem High School, drama coach and director of more than 80 productions throughout Utah Valley, is now a "star" in his own right.

On Saturday, Elison became the first recipient of the SCERA "Star of the Year" award.

The Star awards were instigated by area leaders in the arts to honor individuals and businesses that have made a variety of contributions toward the perpetuation of the arts in Utah County.

The awards were handed out at the "Evening With the Stars Gala," a black-tie event held at the SCERA Center for the Arts. The celebration is intended to be an annual event to benefit the SCERA Center and its future programs.

Part of SCERA's financial boast came at the gala in the form of a first installment check presented by Joe Morton, president of XanGo. XanGo officials announced a 5-year, $1 million commitment to help renovate SCERA's Showhouse 1 — to be named the "XanGo Grand Theater."

"The amount of people's lives that have been touched by defining moments like this . . . ," Morton said. "It's wonderful to be a part of it."

Ben Gould, chairman of the Board for SCERA, said that just a few years ago the SCERA was in debt and close to closing. With help from the community, volunteers and the SCERA staff, that has changed. "Now there is money in the bank to keep us going," Gould said.

Donations from the evening came in at more than $24,000. For Robertson, that says a lot about the community.

"We are grateful for the generous donations from members of the business community and private sector," Robertson said. "One hundred percent will be used to help the arts in this area and to make SCERA a place where people of all ages can enjoy a variety of entertainment."

Another program that is expected to help the bolster the coffers at SCERA was also announced. The "Ticket to the Arts" program invites 30 companies to donate $100 a month in a one-year commitment. For the donation, companies will receive 20 vouchers for performances at the SCERA each month to give to clients, employees and others. The goal is to reach $36,000 in program donations each year.

Doug Wright, KSL 1160 Radio, was the master of ceremonies for the entertainment and live auction portion of the evening.

The entertainers gave the audience a sense of where the SCERA Center is intending to go by providing a variety of entertainment numbers that included some dance, concert numbers, opera, play bits and storytelling.

Other Star award recipients include:

• Voluntarism — Gareth Seastrand

• Advocacy for the Arts — Hale Center Theater Orem

• Friend of the Arts (business) — The Daily Herald

• Friends of the Arts (individual) — Dick and JoAnn Losee

• Dance — Rick Robinson

• Music — Ray Smith

• Visual Arts — Max Weaver

• Theater — Jayne Luke

• Lifetime Achievement — Syd Riggs

Lesa Pulham received a special recognition award for her 30 years of service. She started as a teen volunteer in 1976 and is now the manager of administrative services.

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