FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             Contact:

October 12, 2005                                             Cindy Reynolds, Communications Manager

                                                                       (714) 541-8314, ext. 19

Saint Joseph Ballet Honors Founder Beth Burns

and Announces New Endowment

            Santa Ana, Calif. (October 12, 2005) On October 8, 200 patrons, alumni and artists gathered at Saint Joseph Ballet’s Santa Ana studios for Celebración, a black-tie tribute to its Founder, Beth Burns.  In addition to honoring Burns’ pioneering contributions to the field of arts-for-youth programming and to Saint Joseph Ballet in particular, Celebración netted $75,000 to support the current year’s dance, academic and family programs. 

            Saint Joseph Ballet Executive Director Steffani Francis said, “The need in our community for a life-changing program serving at-risk youth is just as compelling today as it was in 1983.  Saint Joseph Ballet will continue to be a vital partner in the community, ensuring Beth’s vision is carried on until the need goes away.”

            A reception in the courtyard was illuminated by some of Burns’ own poetic words, projected on the walls with lights.  After the reception guests were ushered into a lush, candle lit dance studio for a four-course dinner catered by Culinary Adventures.  Between courses, artistic and personal tributes were presented by special guests and Artistic Director Melanie Rios Glaser.  Included was a video by SJB alumna Kristina Lechuga which featured Burns working with dance students during Saint Joseph Ballet’s retrospective 2005 concert at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, and a site specific new work for 14 students choreographed by Rios Glaser with original music for viola by Richard Kim.  Guest speakers Sister Suzanne Sassus, Socorro and Ernesto Vasquez, Ginnie and Rich Hunsaker, Joan Beall, and Joni Smith, who have all been a part of Burns’ journey in founding and growing Saint Joseph Ballet, shared special memories and personal words of tribute.

            Event Chair Yvonne Jordan, who with her husband Damien serves on Saint Joseph Ballet’s Board, invited Burns to the podium for the final announcement of the evening - the establishment of the Beth Burns Legacy endowment with $750,000 in gifts already secured.  Jordan said, “The generosity of those who participated in this special evening reaffirms how Beth has touched us all and supports the work of Saint Joseph Ballet now and in the future.”

Beth Burns founded Saint Joseph Ballet in 1983 to empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to strengthen self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs.  What began as a small summer dance program for some of Santa Ana’s most at-risk youth today serves 400 young people each year.  Saint Joseph Ballet’s holistic and long term approach to supporting youth has made it a nationally-recognized institution.  Since its inception, Saint Joseph Ballet has touched the lives of more than 50,000 youth, giving them the tools and skills to build a future for themselves, their families and their community. 

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