Overwhelming Support Leads to Three-Day Celebration for the Community, By the Community

The announcement of a groundbreaking date for the Dr. Phillips Center has amassed overwhelming community support.  From local businesses and corporations to organizations, individuals and groups, the outpouring of donations to support a groundbreaking event has been what center officials describe as amazing. The result of this show of support will be a three-day community-focused celebration June 23, 24 and 25, made possible by community gifts.  

A groundbreaking event kicks off the celebrations on June 23, 5:30 – 7:15 pm.  Entertainment includes the internationally renowned singer and actor, Davis Gaines.  An Orlando native and Edgewater High School alumnus, Gaines is most noted for his more than 2,000 performances of the Phantom of the Opera and numerous other Broadway productions.  He was recently inducted into the school’s inaugural Hall of Fame and also serves as a member of the Dr. Phillips Center board of directors.

Other entertainment includes performances from the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Ballet School, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Repertory Theatre and the cast of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR.

Two additional community open house celebrations will take place June 24, 11 am – 2 pm and June 25, 12 – 4 pm, where several local performing artists and groups will be showcased during both days.

These three celebration events are free and open to the public. 

According to Dr. Phillips Center Board Chairman, Jim Pugh, “We’ve waited for this moment for 20 years. This three-day celebration aligns with our mission of community outreach and is the beginning of establishing a new legacy for the performing arts. This occasion is the realization of the vision and perseverance of our board, Mayor Dyer, the Orlando City Council, and our donors. There is no better way to commemorate the start of construction than with the community standing alongside us.”

“This performing arts center will add yet another dimension to our city’s world-class appeal,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The 3,000 jobs resulting from this construction project provide a definitive boost to our economy at a time when it is most needed. My vision for this city is about economic empowerment, growth and opportunity. The Dr. Phillips Center groundbreaking symbolizes another step in getting there.”

Dr. Phillips Center President Kathy Ramsberger added, “We are humbled by the tremendous outpouring of in-kind services, cash sponsorships and donations we have received from the community. This support has been for total event resources, including everything from tents, air conditioning, production support, staging and lighting, to food and beverage and printing.  The program will celebrate our local performing arts community, our children, and so many who are committed to making this possible.  This speaks volumes about what this Center already means to this community and is the ideal platform to launch our endowment and capital campaigns.” 

The events take place under an outdoor air conditioned tent on Magnolia Ave. between Anderson and South Streets. Funded by community donations – including no public funds – these events are free and open to the public.