Neon lights, beautifully deep red colored decor, women in elegant evening gowns and men in tuxedos filled the University Room within the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Commons in celebration of the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center’s 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala on Saturday evening.
After a red carpet walk, guests were treated to a dinner buffet and live musical entertainment by Young Original, of Nashville, Tenn.
Karen Buchheit, a previous BCPAC president, spoke about the organization’s pivotal years. A Certificate of Achievement from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was presented to the organization by City of Bradford Mayor Tom Riel.
BCPAC Executive Director Darren Litz and the BCPAC Board of Directors recognized the organization’s founders: Dr. Patty Bianco, James Guelfi, Jacquelyn Jones, Julian Carson, Margaret Archer, Diane Kerner Arnett, Jennifer English, Ed Goulding, Madeline Miles, Jeannie Satterwhite, William Seidensticker and Kathy Sturm.
“As we celebrate four decades of enriching generations with the arts, we wanted to take the opportunity to honor our 12 original founders of BCPAC, of which there are eight surviving today,” said Litz.
According to Litz, four decades ago Bianco called a meeting in the basement of the old Carnegie’s Library to propose bringing a ballet to the area. The event was a success, so much so the group was able to put away funds to begin an arts organization for the Bradford community.
“I don’t think any of them imagined what was about to unfold — as we are now celebrating 40 years of offering innovative, entertaining and educational experiences in the arts for our region,” Litz said.
BCPAC presented its first performance Dec. 15, 1984 — Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” by the Empire State Ballet Theater. Since that first performance in 1984, BCPAC has presented more than 300 performance arts events and has welcomed more than 1,000 artists to McKean County.
“We were thrilled to be able to honor these individuals for their outstanding contributions to the arts and for making such a difference in our community and region all these years,” Litz said.
Bianco, BCPAC founder, closed out the evening with a keynote address highlighting the exceptional achievements and showcases offered to the community throughout the years, from 1984 to the present day.
BCPAC representatives all said they look forward to offering the enrichment of arts to an entire new generation.
The 2024 corporate sponsors who received special recognition during the anniversary ceremony included: The Blaisdell Foundation, American Refining Group Inc., Zippo, Case, KOA, Northwest, Pitt-Bradford; Best Western Plus, Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, Elk County Council on the Arts, Pembroke Foundation, Kessel Construction Inc., LUV Toyota, UPMC, B107.5, The Hero, Main Street Office Solutions, Minard Run Oil Co., LAdy A, Danny Bush Visuals, Bottorf Embroidery, Penndoc Foot & Ankle Center, Pennsylvania General Energy Co., Pizza Napoli & Restaurant, Pure Tech, Smith Best & Stoneking PC, Worth W. Smith Co.; Stephen A. Troisi, St. Mary’s Insurance Agency, Allegheny Bradford Corp., Dexter’s Service & Collision, E & M Engineering, Fox Financial/H&R Block Bradford office, Galati Excavating, Graham’s Greenhouse, Hamlin Bank, Marshall Insurance and McCourt Label.
Upcoming BCPAC shows and events include Christmas in the Air on Dec. 19, Valentine Dinner Dance on Feb. 14, The Great DuBois on March 22, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on April 15 and Missoula Children’s Theatre Workshop during the end of June, then the popular Summer Tribute Series — with dates and times to be announced soon.
For more information about BCPAC and future events, visit bcpac.com/
