By Katy Agans
Contributing Writer
What does the Broadway musical “Wicked,” the TV show “Glee” and the TV show “Bojack Horseman” all have in common? They all star actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth, who just so happens to be the guest artist at this year’s Dominican Trustee Benefit Concert for Scholarships.
The concert is an annual fundraiser Dominican that has been occurring for more than 40 years, with a dinner and auction following the concert, according to Leslie Rodriguez, the executive director of external engagement.
The benefit generally raises $350,000 to $450,000, which go toward scholarships that support Dominican students, according to Sara Acosta, vice president for university advancement.
Auction items vary based on the suggested starting bids. Items includes Dominican-themed events like a special evening dining at Dominican’s Recipe Box Café and a spiritual retreat with Mission and Ministry.
Over the years trustees have also donated items for the auction including golf outings, wine baskets, and jewelry, according to Acosta.
Because of the lingering risks of COVID-19 this year, Dominican will split the benefit into parts. On March 5, Chenoweth will perform, followed by a partial online auction. The dinner and continued auction will be in June, Rodriguez said.
In addition to raising money for Dominican’s general scholarship fund, organizers hope to convert occasional guests into regular attendees, year after year, according to Patrick Serrano, operations manager of the Performing Arts Center.
“The majority of the revenue is from individual ticket holders and sponsorship donors who purchase tickets and sponsorship packages – this year starting at $150 for individual tickets upwards of to $50,000 for our highest-level sponsor,” Rodriguez said.
Organizers also raise money other ways.
“Throughout the evening we also sell raffle tickets for a cash prize and encourage guests to bid on many exciting auction items,” Rodriguez said. “We also have opportunities for guests to head direct to our giving page. The event in June will have a live paddle raise – all raising additional dollars for the scholarship fund.”
Every year the concert portion of the benefit features a guest artist. This year the guest artist is Kristin Chenowith, who is best known for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway musical “Wicked.”
Guest artists from past benefits include Broadway star Ben Vereen; “Glee” alum Matthew Morrison; Brian Stokes Mitchell, who recently starred in the film “Tick, Tick … Boom!” on Netflix.
The benefit concert is open to anyone, but there is a twist for Dominican students.
Usually, students are offered two free tickets to any event on campus as long as they have a valid student ID. However, because this is a fundraiser, no discounts are offered to students, staff, or the general public, according to Serrano.
There is still a way for students to attend even if they cannot afford tickets.
“If students would like to attend and maybe can’t afford the ticket price, we would love to have them as volunteers to help usher or welcome guest,” Serrano said. “Having students front and center is a great way to remind potential donors why we are raising money for student scholarships.”
Students interested in volunteering can reach out to pseranno@dom.edu. Volunteer spots are limited.
Anyone who wants to buy tickets can do so from Tuesday to Friday 12-6 p.m. by visiting the box office located in the Fine Arts building or by calling the box office at 708-488-5000.