February 10, 2012 - 12:37pm
The Wild Swan Theater to sell chocolatey creations to raise funds for community outreach programs
BY ALICIA ADAMCZYK
Chocolate lovers in Ann Arbor, take heed: The Wild Swan Theater is hosting its sixth-annual Chocolate Crush Fundraiser tonight. The Wild Swan, which has earned nationwide recognition for its innovation and specialty programs, will host the fundraiser to help continue its work in the community.
The theater, founded in 1980, has integrated special programs for disabled, low income and minority patrons to ensure that high-quality live theater is accessible to everyone. Besides developing original scripts, written by in-house playwright Jeff Duncan, the theater offers backstage “touch” tours to the blind and visually impaired and has incorporated American Sign Language interpreters into all of its main-stage productions. The Wild Swan also has a long-standing relationship with the University, utilizing the talents of its students and artists for set and costume designs.
According to Dorothy Ebersole, the theater’s development officer, the Wild Swan is an important local institution that acts as a gateway to arts experiences for children. She said the Chocolate Crush Fundraiser is an integral part of the theater’s continued success.
“I think that arts organizations and Wild Swan Theater and other organizations like us really contribute to the quality of life in the community,” Ebersole said. “I think that it’s one of the things that distinguishes our community from other communities that aren’t so fortunate to have the wide array of arts organizations.”
The fundraiser will feature local chocolatiers and their chocolate creations, as well as a silent and live auction with items donated by local businesses.
“We’ve enjoyed a lot of very generous support from businesses and individuals in the community for this event since it was established six years ago,” she said.
Chris Pawlicki, co-owner of The Ravens Club in downtown Ann Arbor noted that the fundraiser is important to the future of the theater.
“I know the funding’s been cut over the years just because of ... the economy and stuff,” he said. “So any little thing that we can do to help is great.”
Besides Zingerman’s and The Ravens Club, other businesses offering their chocolate creations include Mindo Chocolates, the Wolverine Brewing Company, Bab’s Underground and Schakolad Chocolate Factory. The Royal Garden Trio will provide musical entertainment and the Main Street Party Store will be supplying wine for the guests.
