2025 Great Stages Gala
Join us in support of the Great Stages Gala, honoring former
Governor Ed Rendell and PHILADANCO! founder Joan Myers Brown
Friday, May 30, 2025
The 2025 Great Stages Gala will honor former Governor Ed Rendell and PHILADANCO! founder Joan Myers Brown for their transformative impact on Philadelphia’s arts community. Governor Rendell’s leadership was instrumental in creating the Kimmel Center and Avenue of the Arts, laying the groundwork for the city’s cultural growth. Joan Myers Brown’s pathbreaking arts leadership has set the standard for excellence in dance, paving the way for generations of Black artists.
Please join us for a dynamic evening, featuring surprise pop-up performances and exciting moments throughout our iconic venues, all in the company of like-minded arts champions.
Gala Festivities
6:00–7:00 PM
VIP Reception | Academy of Music
Exclusive social hour featuring hors d’oeuvres and merriment
7:00 PM
Honoree Presentations | Academy of Music Stage
Celebrating Governor Ed Rendell and Joan Myers Brown
7:30 PM
Festive Procession to Kimmel Center
A lively, joyful transition down the Avenue of the Arts
7:30–11:00 PM
Great Stages Gala | Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
An evening of exquisite dining, specialty cocktails, inspiring performances, and dancing
Attire: Creative Black Tie—Garden Inspired
Thank you to our Great Stages Gala Co-Chairs and Sponsors
Co-Chairs
Ivory V.C. Allison
Blondell Reynolds Brown
David L. Cohen
Robert R. Corrato
Sarah Miller Coulson
Thomas A. Decker
Mark S. Dichter
John Fry
Valerie V. Gay
Julia Haller, M.D.
Robert Heim
Nina Henderson
Osagie O. Imasogie
Erika H. James, Ph.D.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson
Brook J. Lenfest
John McFadden & Lisa Kabnick
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
Jami Wintz McKeon
Ralph W. Muller
Joseph and Jeanette Neubauer
Sue and Craig Perrotty
Caroline B. Rogers
Adrienne Simpson
Richard L. Snow
Laura and Richard Vague
Judee and Clay von Seldeneck
Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller
Sankey and Constance Williams
Richard B. Worley
Michael D. Zisman
Sponsors
Sponsors
Lead Sponsor
John H. McFadden and Lisa D. Kabnick
Platinum Sponsor
Jeff and Tracy Brown Foundation, Inc.
Ralph and Beth Johnston Muller
Gold Sponsor
Comcast NBCUniversal
Leonard P. and Irina Wilson Gage
Independence Blue Cross
The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation
Caroline B. Rogers
Mari and Peter Shaw
Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young, LLP
Constance and Sankey Williams
Michael D. Zisman
Silver Sponsor
Ballard Spahr LLP
Elaine W. Camarda and A. Morris Williams, Jr.
Constance and Michael Cone
Sarah Miller Coulson
Cozen O’Connor
Jeff and Stefanie Dittus
John and Cara Fry
Matt and Anne Hamilton
Nina Henderson
Osagie and Losenge Imasogie
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
The Nerney Family Foundation
Netcarrier
PNC
Charles and Shona Ryan
Adele K. Schaeffer
TD Bank
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Townsend
Bronze Sponsor
James P. Brandau
N. Judith Broudy
Lin and Jim Buck
Dr. and Mrs. Robert R. Corrato
Rob and Patty Delany
Tobey and Mark Dichter
Faegre Drinker
Carole Haas Gravagno
JP Morgan Private Banking
Bennett Keiser and Joy Wilf Keiser
Neal Krouse and Karl Fong
Lauren and Todd Lambrugo
David and Sandy Marshall
Sarah and Brad Marshall
Philadelphia Zoo
Jon and Karen Richter
Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC
Molly Shepard and Peter Dean
Linda F. and Steven D. Siegfried
Andy and Susan Szabo
Renée and Michael R. Vennera
Principal Sponsor
Dr. Susan C. Aldridge
Sibby Brasler
Amy and Terry Buckman
Sara Cerato and Dennis Adams
Nancy and Kenneth Davis
Rob and Patty Delany
Barbara Eberlein and Jerry Wind
Anne C. Ewers
Lauren Gilchrist
Robert Heim and Eileen Kennedy
Eric and Lenora Hume
Joseph M. Manko, Sr.
Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson
Joseph Kluger and Susan Lewis
Richelle and Kameron Rabenou
Dianne Semingson
Judith Sills Swartz and Randy Swartz
Dr. Norman L. Sykes and Gabrielle Sykes
Dr. R.J. Wallner
