PHOENIX - s4story -- Valley Youth Theatre (VYT), which provides professional-level theatre and performing arts opportunities for young people across Arizona, raised more than $175,000 at its annual fundraiser, VYTal Affair, held Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

Co-chaired by Ryan Tubbs and Tracy Zeeck, VYTal Affair brought together civic, business and community leaders, longtime VYT supporters and friends of the arts for an evening celebrating the impact of theatre on young people. More than 250 guests attended, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton and former Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner.

This year's VYTal Affair theme was inspired by VYT's 2026-27 season opener, "Matilda the Musical." During the event, guests were treated to special performances by cast members from the production, giving them a firsthand look at the young talent at the heart of VYT and the work their support helps make possible.

Valley Youth Theatre extends its thanks to the sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, community partners and guests whose generosity made VYTal Affair 2026 possible. This year's sponsors include Choreographer Sponsor Sanderson Lincoln; Cast Sponsors Globe Corporation, HMA Public Relations, KPMG, Hope and Jay Ozer, Snell & Wilmer and Womble Bond Dickinson; Crew Sponsors Fiesta Sports Foundation, Stephanie and Brian Quinn, Romero & Co. – The Melcher Agency, Rebecca Stenholm and Twistive. Dee Moore and Mahagani and Laila Carter served as Valet Parking Sponsors, while Downtown Phoenix Inc. served as Beverage Sponsor.

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Action Wine + Spirits, TLC Catering and Hava Java helped set the stage for a festive evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and one-of-a-kind experiences. That energy carried into the live auction, where guests bid on standout packages including a private dinner prepared by Arizona chef Eddie Matney, a VIP experience at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and an exclusive Bourbon Trail experience. Guests making a $1,000 pledge during the event's paddle raise were entered into a drawing to win a date night at Durant's for a year. A highlight of the evening was the raffle drawing for two tickets to the Masters Tournament.

Each year, VYT recognizes two community champions who consistently support arts and youth development. This year's VYTality Award recipients, recognized for their remarkable impact on VYT and the community, were Devney Majerle of Downtown Phoenix Partnership and the Fiesta Sports Foundation.

"I know firsthand what Valley Youth Theatre can mean in a young person's life because I was one of those kids," said Leigh Ann Dolan, executive director of Valley Youth Theatre. "Seeing the cast of 'Matilda the Musical' perform at VYTal Affair was a wonderful reminder of why this organization matters. These young people are finding their confidence, taking risks and discovering what they are capable of. The support we received at the event helps us continue creating that kind of experience for the next generation of Young performers."

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VYT ensures all children who want to participate in program are not precluded because of financial barriers.  Unlike other theatre programs in the Valley, VYT does not charge young artists to participate in its mainstage productions or require them to meet ticket or advertising quotas or pay costume or script deposits. The model allows young people from across the Valley to participate in professional-quality theatre regardless of their family's ability to pay.

"As board president, I've had a front-row seat to what happens when a young person finds a place where they belong," said Abbie S. Fink, chair of the Valley Youth Theatre board of directors. "You see kids step outside their comfort zones, find their voices and realize they are capable of more than they imagined. VYTal Affair brings together a community that believes those experiences matter, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year's event a success."

Those interested in supporting youth arts through VYT can find more information at vyt.com/donate (http://www.vyt.com/donate).