A Night Out in Playhouse Village Launches 2024 Programs at Playhouse Village Park
Rain clouds parted on February 7th in time for a capacity crowd of enthusiastic Playhouse Village supporters to flow into The Ice House for A Night Out in Playhouse Village featuring famed comedian Tom Arnold. Playhouse Village Foundation hosted the event in the nation’s oldest comedy club to raise funds for 2024 programs in the new Playhouse Village Park. The evening generated $45,000 for free public events and activities including summer jazz concerts, movies in the park, holiday programs and activities for dogs, kids and their owners, and more.
“A Night Out in Playhouse Village exceeded expectations and validated public support for the park and the work of our Foundation to build community in the heart of Pasadena,” noted Playhouse Village Foundation Chair Phil Hawkey. “This success energizes us to take on other transformative projects along Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue and the Mentor Avenue entertainment corridor to create a charming, walkable, culturally and commercially vibrant Playhouse Village.”
The event drew a diverse crowd of Playhouse Village residents and business owners, as well as visitors from greater Pasadena. “Village Hero” Sponsor of the evening, Lagerlof LLP – Pasadena’s largest law firm, located in Playhouse Village – hosted a dozen representatives of non-profit organizations affiliated with the firm’s LagerlofCares foundation, which focuses on the needs of children and teens. Mayor Victor Gordo regaled the audience with his appreciation of Playhouse Village. Councilmembers Jess Rivas, Justin Jones and Jason Lyon mingled with the crowd and enjoyed comedian Tom Arnold’s set. Ben Ang and Louisa Wong of the soon-to-be-open Star Leaf restaurant joined the merriment. Mr. Pasadena rubbed shoulders with Judge Lance Ito, who modelled his Ice House letterman’s jacket for the packed house.
A silent auction showcased local businesses and organizations, with all lots sold for the benefit of 2024 park programs. Attendees vied for a Bang & Olufsen speaker, a Pasadena Hotel & Pool stay, restaurant dinners, 2025 Rose Parade VIP seating, Pasadena Pops and Mt. Wilson Observatory tickets, and opening night seats at the Tony Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse, to mention just a few of the auction treats. A spirited live auction capped the evening, featuring Ice House owner Jerry Buss’s own Lakers seats, a Pasadena Police helicopter ride-along, and VIP passes to the Just Like Heaven concert event at Brookside at the Rose Bowl.
“A Night Out in Playhouse Village could only happen with the support of countless friends. We are grateful to each and every one,” says Chair Phil Hawkey. Playhouse Village Foundation Board member Margie Lindbeck was instrumental in planning the event, along with board colleagues Carla Walecka and Patty Barajas Taveras, and volunteer leadership from Playhouse Village resident Donna Gale. Board member Arash Danialifar emceed the live auction with assists from Tom Arnold and Mayor Gordo, and board member Josh Driskell and LagerlofCares provided critical financial sponsorship. Board member and Ice House Owner Johnny Buss and his staff contributed the iconic setting. Board member and Playhouse Village Association President/CEO Brian Wallace and his staff provided logistical support. Numerous local businesses and individuals pledged sponsorships and in-kind support, including The Swig Company, Star Leaf, AC Hotel by Marriott Pasadena, T. Boyle’s Tavern, the Charles Company, Lyd & Mo Photography, Boston Court Pasadena, Colleen Carey, Arlene and Bob Oltman, and Diana Sedenquist and Jack Fisher.
For more information on Playhouse Village Foundation and its priority projects, go to www.playhousevillagefoundation.org