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DEDICATED COMMUNITY MEMBERS PLAN TRIP TO THE EMERALD CITY 

      Much more effort has gone into planning the gala than choosing a menu, sending invitations and renting a tux. Since November, the all-volunteer committee has spent their evenings and weekends constructing oversize decorations, sewing intricate costumes and directing DYPAC performers who will provide theatrical entertainment during the event. Securing donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations also has required a significant amount of time. The committee’s tireless efforts are sure to result in a one-of-a-kind evening for all attendees.

      “What has been truly extraordinary about planning the Emerald City Gala is that many of our volunteers do not have any children active in DYPAC, or they have children who aged out years ago,” said Dr. Noel W. Jackson, founder and president of DYPAC. “Instead, these are individuals who strongly believe in DYPAC’s vision of enriching the lives of young people through opportunities in the arts. The dedication and generosity shown from the community has been overwhelming.”

      Dr. Jackson’s Trenton office has served as headquarters for the preparations. Led by Shelly Schutt of Trenton, volunteers gather on Saturday mornings to create the oversize Emerald City decorations. Among the notable volunteers is Rose Koval, a prominent realtor from Grosse Ile. Koval is leading the efforts to create the poppy field.

      One of the biggest responsibilities in the planning process has been sewing more than 50 costumes designed specifically for the gala. As DYPAC costume designer, Schutt also is heading up the costume committee, which will transform wait staff into flying monkeys and valet into Winkies, as well as create a cast of munchkins that will welcome guests to the Emerald City.

      Veteran DYPAC directors, Mary Zaleski and Karen Brown-Bonner, both of Southgate, are directing youth performers who will entertain guests at the gala. Three staging areas will be set up throughout the Cultural Center. Entertainment will include scenes from The Wizard of Oz, as well as various Oz-themed songs and skits.

      The Emerald City Gala is being held as part of DYPAC’s ten year anniversary celebration, and draws its theme from DYPAC’s inaugural performance of The Wizard of Oz. Founded in 1998, DYPAC is a charitable, non-profit 501c3 organization committed to the positive development of young people through experiences in the arts. The culmination of DYPAC’s ten year anniversary celebration will take place in November, when DYPAC will once again perform The Wizard of Oz.

      “Not only will the Emerald City Gala be a fun and unique event, but it will be a demonstration of the strength of communities coming together,” Jackson added. “Young people who grow up surrounded by positive influences and examples of families committed to volunteerism become adults who will give back in any capacity.”

      DYPAC is a 501c3 non-profit organization celebrating ten years of spirit in the community. The organization offers a safe place for children to let their creativity soar by creating confidence, instilling positive values and offering an opportunity for families to be involved. DYPAC’s mission is to provide a complete state-of-the-art performance and learning center, which will allow all Downriver youth to experience, learn, teach and perform in a variety of artistic areas; also to provide exceptional entertainment and a completely inclusive multipurpose facility for the entire Downriver community. More information about DYPAC can be found at www.dypac.com.

Note to Editors: High-resolution photos of Dr. Noel Jackson are available upon request.