Grand Canyon Performing Arts

The Grand Canyon Performing Arts (GCPA) is excited to announce that this year’s Blush and Bashful Gala has been scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel in Central Phoenix.  Blush and Bashful 2013 is building off of the success of last year’s event with performances by national and local artist, a five-star dinning experience and a high-end auction. 
   
In addition to a performance by the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus, we are honored that Blush and Bashful will feature a special performance by pop, disco, Motown and Grammy legend Thelma Houston.   Ms. Houston, best known for her high-powered rendition of "Don't Leave Me This Way," has the distinction of being the first solo female artist at Motown to win the Grammy Award for "Best R&B Female Vocal Performance."  Ms. Houston has long been known as a humanitarian for her work on numerous charitable causes and her tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS.
  
Blush and Bashful will also be the venue for the much awaited unveiling and inaugural performance of Phoenix’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Youth Chorus.  Creation of Phoenix’s first LGBTQ youth chorus is a joint initiative with the Grand Canyon Performing Arts and One n Ten.  One n Ten is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ youth.  They provide youth with tools to improve self esteem and acceptance of who they are.  One n Ten creates a safe space, mentally and physically, for youth of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
  
Blush and Bashful prides itself as a way to highlight local artists and performers.  This year will be no different.  A variety of local artists are scheduled to perform during the cocktail, auction and dinner hours.  Blush and Bashful 2013 is not shy of artistic performances and entertainment.
    
One thing that makes the Blush and Bashful Gala unique is that a percentage of funds from the event are shared with another non-profit.   Last year, the GCPA was able to make a contribution of funds raised at Blush and Bashful to The Trevor Project.  The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
     
This year, the GCPA is excited to name The Matthew Shepard Foundation as our special beneficiary.  The Matthew Shepard Foundation as our special beneficiary.  The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. The Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story.  It encourages respect for human dignity and difference by raising awareness, opening dialogues, and promoting positive change.
     
Blush and Bashful offers somethingmajor fundraising event of the season.  The planning committee and the Board of Directors spend a great deal of time to make sure the event meets artistic standards and is fiscally responsible.  Great lengths are taken to keep expenses to income ratios as low as possible for an event of this magnitude.
  
In order to do that we rely on the kindness of sponsors, donors, and in-kind donations made by both businesses and individuals.  In addition to their services and talents, many individuals donate of their time to make this event a success.
     
Blush and Bashful offers something for everyone.  It will be a fun event, but more importantly, it will support a very worthy cause.  We hope to see you there.