The Indian Community Eastside (ICE) is one step closer to reaching the $1 million mark in support of the Tateuchi Center, a future 2,000-seat performance arts center in downtown Bellevue.
Members of ICE hosted the first annual Sparkle & Spice Gala on Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency, raising $125,000 toward the ICE Group Gift Campaign, now totaling $850,000.
The ICE Group Gift Campaign was the idea of Tateuchi Center Director Alka Badshah, who joined the Board in 2006.
“People of Indian heritage living on the Eastside are involved in all aspects of community-building, including business, arts, and education, where they are key contributors to the quality of life in our region,” said ICE co-chair Badshah. “Dedicating and naming a space at Tateuchi Center offers us a valuable opportunity to make a thoughtful, lasting contribution to Eastside cultural life and to create a legacy for future generations.”
Once built, the Tateuchi Center will present artistic, cultural, educational and entertainment experiences, reflecting the diverse interests and honor the cultures and customs of the Eastside. The Tateuchi Center has an estimated cost $160 million and a groundbreaking targeted for fall 2011.
All groups that donate $1 million or more to the project get to dedicate and name a space at the theater.
The ICE campaign hopes to reach this goal through fundraising events that foster community involvement.
The Sparkle & Spice event brought together 250 friends, family members, colleagues and associates to celebrate Indian culture and raise funds for the future performing arts center.
The event included wine donated by Chateau St. Michelle; a comedy performance by Indian Comedian, Daniel Nainan, who also served as emcee; and folk Indian dance performances by Pratidhwani.
The Fund-A-Need presentation by Tateuchi Center Executive Director and CEO John Haynes and Microsoft Senior Director of Community Affairs, Akhtar Badshah raised $100,000 toward the completion of the ICE Group Gift Campaign.
“The ICE Group Gift Campaign has offered us the opportunity to reach an important future audience of Tateuchi Center programs and services,” said Haynes. “We are committed to providing great entertainment experiences that reflect the diverse interests and honor the cultures and customs of our neighbors, with particular attention to the arts and artists of Pacific Rim and South Asian nations. We are very appreciative of the ICE Committee’s efforts, as they have helped create goodwill and excitement for Tateuchi Center throughout the community. Tateuchi Center will be honored to permanently recognize the collective contributions of ICE in the new Center.”
For more information about ICE, or to learn more about Tateuchi Center, contact Linda Bonomi, Director of Development, at 425-462-0092.
