By Savannah DeRieux
The 2023 VIVA Health Gala, “A Night of the Arts” will honor longtime supporters Penny and Ruffner Page.
The black-tie event, being held Oct. 6, will raise funds for UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay Community Education and Arts in Medicine, which were joined together in 2019 under the leadership of inaugural Executive Director Lili Anderson.
“We are committed to providing high-quality, meaningful and life-enriching arts experiences that enhance the cultural fabric of our community – many of which are offered for free,” Anderson said. “The funds raised by this gala, as well as our other generous supporters, make this possible.”
“A Night of the Arts” will showcase the best of those four entities and their programming by creating an immersive night of arts experiences.
Gala chairs are the Pages’ daughters, Libby Sibley, Dr. Margaret Page and Virginia Cheek.
The gala will kick off with a pre-reception offering beverages and hors d’oeuvres in the Alys Stephens Center lobbies. While there, guests will be invited to help select a work of art to be added to AEIVA’s permanent collection.
AIM will offer an immersion into the healing power of music, as UAB health care professionals and medical students who also are accomplished musicians fill the lobbies with the melodic sounds of their instruments. Then, in the Sirote Theatre, five-time Grammy-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’ will present a private performance.
“There is truly something for everyone at ‘A Night of the Arts,” said Chief Operating Officer Cardwell Feagin. “We invite the community to have a taste of the diverse arts experiences offered year-round all in one evening.”
After the performance, purchasers of Arts Experience tickets will have access to a Jazz Café, which will be in the ASC Lower Lobby and include beverages, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music. Later in the evening, the Jazz Café will evolve into a dance party. The Arts Experience is a new addition to the gala this year.
For VIP ticket purchasers, The Jemison Concert Hall stage will transform into an intimate, elegant dinner space. Cuisine will be provided by the award-winning restaurant Helen. As dinner begins, guests will be welcomed by the soulful singing of ArtPlay’s young performers. After dinner, VIP ticket purchasers will also have access to the Jazz Café.
“The arts transform lives,” Sibley said. “They reach people during their most vulnerable moments and during times of joy. The arts are more than a luxury; they are an important part of a vibrant and healthy society. Our family is honored to support and be part of this incredible event.”
There is limited availability remaining for the gala. For more information, or to purchase VIP Tickets or Arts Experience tickets, contact Savannah DeRieux at [email protected] or 205.934.9900, or visit alysstephens.org/gala-2023.
