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WILMA THEATER WEEKEND WITH TOM STOPPARD A SUCCESS For Immediate Release: December 15,
1999 Philadelphia, PA - December 15 - The Wilma Theater enjoyed a very successful fundraising weekend in support of THE INVENTION OF LOVE, when Tom Stoppard, author of the play, donated his time December 3 through December 5 for several special benefit events, raising over $60,000 for The Wilma Theater. On Friday, December 3, Tom Stoppard was the featured guest at the home of Helen and Jack Bershad for an exclusive benefit dinner. In attendance were Wilma Board Chairman Ted and Stevie Wolf, board member Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, Betsy and Ed Cohen of Jefferson Bank, Daniel Berger, Marian Godfrey of The Pew Charitable Trusts, Marcia Salvatore of the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, Suzanne Roberts, Val Amsterdam, Wilma Theater Artistic Directors Blanka and Jiri Zizka and Managing Director Naomi Grabel. On Saturday, December 4, Tom Stoppard was the featured speaker at a symposium moderated by Blanka Zizka (read the transcript). Mr. Stoppard delighted The Wilma Theater's largest crowd ever, including 60 people seated on the stage, with an engaging discussion of THE INVENTION OF LOVE and his other works. Following the symposium, Mr. Stoppard was again the featured guest at a brunch at the home of board member Mark and Tobey Dichter. Seventy attendees spent the early afternoon partaking in food, drink and conversation with the award-winning playwright. Producers of THE INVENTION OF LOVE include: Ted and Stevie Wolf, Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, Daniel Berger, Jack and Helen Bershad, Mark and Tobey Dichter, Jefferson Bank and Ralph and Suzanne Roberts. Major funders and sponsors include the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, National Endowment for the Arts, The Arcadia Foundation, Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, SmithKline Beecham and The DoubleTree Hotel. Our promotional partner is Borders Books. THE INVENTION OF LOVE begins on February 9, 2000, at The Wilma Theater. For tickets and information call 215.546.7824 or visit us online at www.wilmatheater.org. ###
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