Original article: Frontdoors Media
On May 4, 2025, the Herberger Theater Center and 22 Valley restaurants hosted the organization’s annual “Plated & Staged” event to benefit the Center and its commitment to bringing together artists and our community for diverse and engaging experiences in the arts. This unique event starts at the Herberger with the fundraising, but doesn’t end until you find out where you are going to dine after the paddle raise!
Co-Chairs: Becky Gonzalez & Dawn Hart
Leading Sponsors: Billie Jo Herberger | The Herberger DelCastillo Family | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona | Snell & Wilmer | Perkins Coie
The Restaurant Partners: Aftermath Bar & Kitchen | Arcadia Farms Cafe | Buck & Rider | Carcara | Citizen Public House | Call Her Martina | First & Last | Fresh From the Kitchen | Kid Sister | Mancuso’s Restaurant | Mixela | Paul Martin’s American Grill | Pa’La Kitchen | Pyro | Pizzeria Bianco | Santo | Sushi Friend | Sel | Sottise | Valentine | Weft & Warp
Entertainment: Pianist Nicole Pesce & Vocalist Renee Grant Patrick
Auctioneer: Brett Higgins
Notable Moments: Guests enthusiastically participated in a silent auction, live auction and paddle raise — all dedicated to keeping the performing arts accessible to the entire community. The evening concluded with a unique dining experience — 22 local restaurants generously hosted and donated multi-course dinners with wine pairings for tables of eight, making the night truly unforgettable.
Photos courtesy of Herberger Theater Center
