I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love

----

A lovely night,
A lovely night,
A finer night you know you'll never see.

Two perfect sentiments for Thursday, October 15th, the night of the Emelin’s annual benefit! As the raindrops of the season’s first nor'easter fell, nearly 300 friends gathered for an evening full of music, flowers, wonderful food, and lots of fun. Some highlights? We honored Rita Houston, whose gracious acceptance speech for the 2009 Bravo Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts, reminded us that the arts reach out and touch people in all different ways at all different times of our lives, and that we are always enriched for it. President Mark Ettenger offered a moving remembrance of Seth Kaplan, the Emelin's co-president who passed away in August. Debbie Chapin's lively and hysterical stint as our auctioneer raised record amounts of money to assist in technological improvements to the theater. Frank Soriano and the House of Flowers dazzled all of us with spectacular decorations, full of roses and lilies and candles. And there was much, much more! Thank you to everyone for making the night such a great party and such a rousing success for the theater. We can't wait for next year!

Here are a few photos...stay tuned for more! (Photos by Ric Kallaher)


Performer Todd Londagin with Honoree Rita Houston


Emelin Board of Trustees President Mark Ettenger


Todd Londagin