Spotlight Award recipient Svetlana Shmulyian, photo by Jeff Auger
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On May 30, 2026, State Theatre New Jersey hosted A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, raising essential support for its mission to bring the power of live performing arts experiences to individuals and families across New Jersey—regardless of circumstance. Held at The Heldrich Hotel, the event raised more than $304,000 towards STNJ's work to ensure the performing arts remain affordable and accessible for everyone in our community through transformative arts education programs and subsidized ticketing initiatives.
This year's Annual Benefit Gala was co-chaired by Johnson & Johnson alumnae and STNJ Board Members Eileen Harkins and Alma Scott. As part of the celebration, STNJ presented the inaugural Spotlight Awards, recognizing artists, technicians, and cultural leaders whose work expands access to the arts and strengthens community connection across New Jersey. This year's honorees included acclaimed jazz musician and educator Svetlana Shmulyian, founder of STNJ's Swing Makes You Sing! Jazz Residency program and a passionate advocate for arts education, and Craig Werner, State Theatre's Master Electrician and Lighting Designer, whose decades of service have helped shape the STNJ's legacy of artistic excellence.
"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our supporters at this year's Gala," commented State Theatre New Jersey President & CEO Sarah Chaplin. "The vital funds raised this evening will directly power our inclusive programming—from free veteran tickets to subsidized school performances—bringing the joy of the arts to those who need it most."
(left to right) STNJ Board Member and Gala Co-Chair Alma Scott and STNJ President and CEO Sarah Chaplin, photo by Jeff Auger
Funds raised through the Annual Benefit Gala power impactful programs, including subsidized admission for STNJ's flagship Performances for Schools, free tickets for veterans and active service members, $10 DiscoveryTix to every State Theatre-presented performance for individuals and families enrolled in NJ's Families First Program and Medicaid cardholders, and specially modified Sensory-Friendly Performances. Through these initiatives, STNJ continues to create meaningful, inclusive arts experiences that inspire, educate, and connect communities through the power of live performance.
Key sponsors for this year's event included: Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Campbell; EAB Insurance Group; Craig & Nancy Guiffre; Alma Scott; Boraie Development LLC; Johnson & Johnson; Magyar Bank; NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and The DiLeo Family Foundation; Joey K. Grinkley & Todd A. Shamy; Lisa & Rick Martin; NBPAC; Robin E. Suydam & Paul Corkery; Saul Curtis; Stephan DeMicco & Jeanne M. Fox; Kevin & Eileen Hoagland; IBEW Local 456; The Karma Foundation; Peter & Maggie Stavrianidis; Turner Construction Company; Beasley Media; Benjamin & Christine Bucca; Eileen Harkins; Richard & Larisa Leist; Reilly Financial Group; and Wendy Wiebalk & Steve Cahn.
The State Theatre 2026 STNJ Gala Committee included Co-chairs and STNJ Board Members' Eileen Harkins (Johnson & Johnson, retired) and Alma Scott (Johnson & Johnson, retired); Hiam Boraie (STNJ Board Member, Boraie Development); Christine Bucca (Retired, Leader & Berkon, LLP); Saul Curtis (Retired, PricewaterhouseCoopers); Laura DeCandia (Johnson & Johnson); Elena DiLeo (NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.); Joey K. Grinkley (STNJ Board Member, Merck); Craig Guiffre (STNJ Board Member, American Benefits Consulting); Lisa Martin (STNJ Board Member, GlaxoSmithKline); John Reissner (Magyar Bank); Todd A. 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).
To learn more about State Theatre New Jersey's programs and how you can support access to the performing arts in our community, visit STNJ.org or contact our staff at [email protected].
Spotlight Award recipient Craig Werner (center) with his wife Catherine and STNJ VP of Operations Joe Stoltman, photo by Jeff Auger
After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in State Theatre New Jersey, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated its 100th Anniversary after major renovations in December 2021. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre's historic significance was honored when PBS featured it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey. Having played a significant role in revitalizing New Brunswick—crowned "Jersey's Best Destination of the Year" for 2025 by Jersey's Best magazine—State Theatre resides in the heart of the city's arts district.
Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six and a half 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 included high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Frampton, Leanne Morgan, and many more. Performances 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 in part 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.
Sarah Chaplin welcomes the crowd at The Beach Boys performance, photo by Jeff Auger
