Photo by Jeff Auger

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On June 7, 2025, State Theatre New Jersey hosted A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala to support its mission to provide transformative arts education programs, affordable ticketing initiatives, and community outreach efforts that bring the joy of live entertainment to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Held at the historic State Theatre, the evening featured an intimate performance by Tony® Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O’Hara and raised more than $313,00 towards STNJ’s work to ensure the performing arts remain affordable and accessible for everyone in our community.

This year’s STNJ Gala was co-chaired by Robert J. DiLeo (State Theatre Board Member, NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.) and John Reissner (Magyar Bank). This year’s Gala honorees were John and Jeanne Fitzgerald, recipients of the Arts Advocate Award.

Kelli O'Hara with honorees John and Jeanne Fitzgerald, photo by Jeff Auger

“Thank you to the incredible Gala Committee, State Theatre staff, and generous supporters for making this event a tremendous success,” commented State Theatre New Jersey President & CEO Sarah Chaplin. “We couldn’t be more pleased to honor two amazing individuals, John and Jeane Fitzgerald, for their commitment to the arts and our community.”

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, State Theatre New Jersey’s A Night In Lights Annual Benefit Gala provides essential support to STNJ’s work providing affordable access to the arts for all communities through initiatives including free tickets for veterans, subsidized admission for public-school students, free tickets for NJ charities, and $10 tickets for families enrolled in NJ’s Families First Program and Medicaid cardholders.

A Night In Lights featured a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and signed memorabilia from some of STNJ’s top performances, a gourmet dinner, a breathtaking performance by Kelli O’Hara, and a vibrant after-party with music and dancing.

Key sponsors for this year’s event included: American Benefits Consulting and Craig & Nancy Guiffre; Magyar Bank; Joan & Bob Campbell; Alma Scott; NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and the DiLeo Family Foundation; Boraie Development, LLC; EAB Insurance Group; Johnson & Johnson; Cahill, Wilenski, Rhodes & Joyce; John and Jeanne Fitzgerald; Lisa & Rick Martin; Todd A. Shamy & Joey Kareem Grinkley; Robin Suydam & Paul Corkery; The Bauer, Dammann, Palumbo & Malewski Group; Benjamin & Christine Bucca; Cahn & Parra, LLC; Stephan DeMicco & Jeanne Fox; IBEW Local 456; Sharon Karmazin; Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.; Presidential Cleaning; Sherman Atlas Slyvester & Stamelman LLP; Somerset Regal Bank; Turner Construction Company; Unity Bank; Eileen Harkins, Reilly Financial Group; Peter & Maggie Stavrianidis; and World Insurance Associates, LLC.

The State Theatre 2025 STNJ Gala committee included Robert J. DiLeo (Gala Co-Chair, STNJ Board Member, NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.), John Reissner (Gala Co-Chair, Magyar Bank); Eileen Harkins (Gala Auction Chair, STNJ Board Member; Retired, Johnson & Johnson); Hiam Boraie (STNJ Board Member, Boraie Development); Benjamin Bucca, Jr. (STNJ Board Member); Christine Bucca (Retired, Leader & Berkon, LLP); Saul Curtis (Retired, PricewaterhouseCoopers); Laura DeCandia (Johnson & Johnson); Elena DiLeo (NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.); Joey Kareem Grinkley (STNJ Board Member, Merck); Craig Guiffre (STNJ Board Member, American Benefits Consulting); Lisa Martin (STNJ Board Member, GlaxoSmithKline); Alma Scott (STNJ Board Member; Retired, Johnson & Johnson); Todd Shamy (Kenvue); Robin E. Suydam (STNJ Board Member, Franklin Mutual Insurance Companies); Wendy L. Wiebalk, Esq. (STNJ Board Vice Chair, Cahn & Parra, LLC.); and Doris “Dee” Zampella (EAB Insurance Group).

After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey.

Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.