(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey will honor American Benefits Consulting at the 2017 State Theatre Benefit Gala on Saturday, May 13, 2017 featuring six-time Tony Award®-winner Audra McDonald. 

In business for over 30 years, American Benefits Consulting (ABC) is the premier benefits consulting firm for large employers. Headquartered in New York City, ABC has offices across the country supporting domestic and internationally-based businesses. ABC’s practices—Group, Voluntary, International, and Executive—are staffed by the most experienced people in the business, with a level of expertise and commitment to clients that is unparalleled.

“We are pleased to honor American Benefits Consulting,” said Tom Carto, State Theatre President & CEO. “Their support of the State Theatre Gala for the last 7 years has made a significant contribution to our nationally recognized education programs.”

“State Theatre New Jersey is the leading entertainment, education, and community-based cultural organization not just in central New Jersey, but throughout the Northeast, and we are privileged to be recognized by them,” said Craig J. Guiffre, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of American Benefits Consulting and State Theatre New Jersey Trustee. “We share their commitment to quality and serving others, and that’s why we continue to have a great partnership.”

Gala Information

The Gala festivities begin at 5pm at The Heldrich Hotel and the performance will begin at 6pm at State Theatre New Jersey. In addition to the show, Gala guests will enjoy a pre-performance cocktail reception, post-performance dinner dance with an open bar, fabulous auctions, and live entertainment from the Gerard Carelli Orchestra. The Benefit Gala, State Theatre New Jersey’s biggest annual event, underwrites the State Theatre’s artistically-acclaimed programming and nationally-recognized education programs. A portion of each ticket price represents a tax-deductible contribution to the State Theatre. Benefit Gala tickets are $700. For Benefit Gala tickets please call 732-247-7200, ext. 543.

The 2017 Benefit Gala Co-Chairs are Scott (RBC Wealth Management) and Barbra Fergang with support from Vice-Chairs Linda Piscadlo (Johnson & Johnson), and Matt (Moody’s Investors Service) and Tracy Taylor (Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey). The 2017 Benefit Gala Corporate Co-Chairs are Shideh Sedgh Bina, Founding Partner, Insigniam, and Bradd M. Chignoli, Senior Vice President – National Accounts, MetLife.

2017 Gala Emerald Partners are American Benefits Consulting, Insigniam, and MetLife. 2017 Gala Diamond Partners are Aetna, and Joan and Bob Campbell.

The State Theatre’s other honorees include Patron Honorees Susan and Brent Podlogar and Leadership in the Arts honorees, Freeholder Director Ron G. Rios and The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

About the Gala Artist

Audra McDonald—now featured in Disney's Beauty and The Beast—is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actress. She is the recipient of a record-breaking six Tony Awards®, two Grammy Awards®, and an Emmy Award®. Her Tony®-winning performances include roles in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Now, see her live in concert as she performs hits from Broadway and the great American songbook.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre New Jersey Ticket Office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre New Jersey Ticket Office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 536. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.