Gordon honored tomorrow…

Gordon Steele

The Community Theatre has a reception for Gordon on Saturday – here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

Theatre Honors New “Life Friend”

A public reception is being held on Saturday, January 29 to honor longtime San Juan Community Theatre supporter Gordon Steele.

Steele and his late wife Beverly have been added to the nonprofit Theatre’s “Life Friends” investment category, joining four other Island families that have donated more than $250,000 to the Theatre since its beginnings more than two decades ago.

Gordon and Beverly arrived on the island in 1979 and quickly became involved in local theater productions by the “Straits of Juan de Fuca,” who at that time presented their work in the movie theatre on Spring Street (then called the Royal Theatre).  Over the years, the Steeles gave generously of their time, talent and resources to San Juan Community Theatre.  Beverly appeared on stage several times, including in the title role of Hello, Dolly! and was president of the Theatre’s fundraising auxiliary, the Community Arts Theatre Society (CATS).  Gordon led the board of trustees, and they both raised thousands of dollars for SJCT.  In addition to the Steele’s own yearly donations, Gordon generously financed the Theatre’s Beverly Steele Memorial garden and patio in 2009.

“Gordon and Beverly were true believers from the start in the importance of a venue for live theater on our island,” said SJCT Board President George Johnson. “We are very excited and honored to celebrate that dedication and commitment.”

The “Life Friend” designation is highlighted in each Theatre program.  The Steeles join Jack and Sondra Raub, Edgar and Polly Stern, George and Sidney Thorson and Paul and Lucy Whittier in that top category.

The “Life Friend” reception will be held inside the Theatre’s lobby at 1:00 p.m.; light refreshments will be served.

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