Kathy Shayna Shocket has stories on the people who make a difference.

Behind the scenes of the intimate awards dinner. 

With the son of the man Gammage theater was named for, sitting on the second level promenade of Arizona’s architectural landmark - an intimate group of guests gathered for a very special dinner. 

Yes, it was meaningful that Grady Gammage, Jr  was there. (His father Grady Gammage, Sr., a former President of ASU,  worked with Frank Lloyd Wright to make Gammage, located on the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ, a reality.) It was equally meaningful that Felice Appell and Glenn Appell (pictured below left) were there for the presentation of the Jerry Award. The award is named for their late father, philanthropist Jerry Appell. 

Amidst the sunset and view of the city lights, supporters raised their glasses in honor of the Jerry Award and Gammy Award recipients. 

The Jerry Award  was presented to supporters of the arts Mary Way and Bill Way of Arizona (pictured above top) and the Gammy Award was presented to the Cerveris family (pictured above second row.)  The Ceveris family includes the 2 -time Tony winner  Michael Ernest Cerveris, his father Michael Edward Cerveris the founding chair of the Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance Department, ASU West, Marisa Cerveris, a fashion designer and former ballet dancer; and actor Todd Cerveris.

Executive Director for ASU Gammage and Associate Vice President Cultural Affairs for ASU, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack (pictured above top and second row) points out that the honorees are made up of two extraordinary families who have made a monumental impact on the arts in Arizona and exemplify the mission of ASU Gammage through their hard work and dedication.

Following dinner, guests were invited into the auditorium for the  announcement of the new 2016-2017 Broadway season and a private backstage dessert reception.

Proceeds from this awards event are part of the ASU Gammage Golden Gammage Initiative (GGI), which includes capital improvements for restroom expansion, accessibility improvements and a revamped sound system.

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. The former TV Reporter has also written for national publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it