Volunteers and desserts needed for the 2013 Spotlight Awards

We’re officially counting down to the Spotlight Awards, our major fundraiser of the year, and it’s going to be a fabulous evening!

Thank you to all of you who have offered to help. From backstage to cast parties and more, we appreciate all you do to help make the Patel Conservatory one of the best places to study the performing arts!

The Spotlight Awards started just three years ago as a way recognize the efforts of all our students, parents, volunteers and partners. In our first year, we exceeded expected attendance with 300 people. Last year, we reached more than 500 attendees.

Last year's cake, baked and provided by
a Patel Conservatory parent.

This year, we expect more than 750 people in attendance at the Spotlight Awards! We’re so thrilled with how much this event has grown.

But that also means we’ll need all the help we can get!

In keeping with the Spotlight Awards tradition, Patel Conservatory parents will be providing dessert for the evening.

Volunteers are also needed to set up, work during the event and help clean up.

This year we will use Perfect Potluck to make it easy for all volunteers to sign up.

If you would like to bring dessert or volunteer for the event, simply click here to put your name beside where you’d like to help.

For questions or more information, please contact parent volunteer Kim Bolton at 352-678-2620 or kbolton4211@yahoo.com.

Questions about the Spotlight Awards?

Do you have questions about the upcoming Spotlight Awards? We’ve got answers!

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about the Spotlight Awards:

When and where are the Spotlight Awards?

Thursday, May 23, 2013. The show begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8 p.m.

Is my child performing in the Spotlight Awards?

All Patel Conservatory students are expected to participate in the opening number and sing along to our theme song “Dream, Reach and Discover.”  Students performing in individual acts have been notified by their instructor. If you have questions about your child’s involvement, please ask your instructor.

What is a dedication ad and how much do they cost?

A dedication ad is a way to recognize a student or business or thank an instructor at the Conservatory.  The ads are published in the Spotlight Awards program. Ad prices are $35 for business card size, $50 for 1/4 page and $75 for a half-page. Deadline for purchasing a dedication ad has been extended to Friday, May 10.

How do I buy an ad?

Simply fill out the order form and drop it off in our Chairmen's Library, or call us at 813-222-1002 and pay over the phone. Then email your message, along with picture or logo to be included, to sharon.mcdonald@strazcenter.org.

Do students performing in the Spotlight Awards need to buy a ticket?

If they are staying for the post-show dinner, then yes. Tickets are $10 for all Patel Conservatory students.

How can I help?

Volunteers are needed for set up, during the event and for clean up. Volunteers are also needed to donate food, drinks and paper products. You can even make a charitable donation to the Patel Conservatory to help underwrite the event. Your donations demonstrate to our students, parents and teachers that their efforts matter, and that the Patel Conservatory’s leadership in the arts in Tampa and beyond is appreciated.

Still have questions? Please call us!

If you would like to volunteer, make a donation or purchase a program ad, contact Sharon McDonald, director of special events, at (813) 222-1037 or sharon.mcdonald@strazcenter.org.

Thanks for your participation. We look forward to seeing you at the Spotlight Awards!