Fundraiser provides crucial support for nonprofit theater, education programs
SHREVEPORT – The world’s best moviegoers, a.k.a. supporters of the Robinson Film Center (RFC), will toast the world’s best festivals at a gala fundraiser on May 10, 2014.
For its second Backlot fundraiser called Festival of Festivals, RFC will transform the 600 and 700 blocks of Texas Street into a series of vibrant film-themed party stops.
“This is going to be one big, bold and fabulous experience,” said RFC board president Waynette Ballengee. “We had so much fun in 2012 at Millennium Studios. This time, we are bringing this cutting-edge experience to the streets. The night will dazzle everyone. We’re so excited to celebrate RFC with the community!”
The multi-sensory progressive party will journey through Cannes (RFC and grand outdoor tent), Tribeca (Abby Singer’s Bistro at RFC), Sundance, Venice (Southern University) and the Afterglow late-night dance party (artspace). Each stop will showcase food, drinks and entertainment from around the world.
Board members are busy planning the celebration and lining up sponsors.
“Backlot is a chance for us to recognize our supporters and show them what a key role they have played in making the Robinson Film Center thrive in downtown Shreveport,” said RFC board member and gala co-chair Teri Kerr. “We work with so many dedicated staff, community leaders, board members and volunteers. They are committed to the challenge of keeping RFC a vibrant part of our community, and this gala will honor their passion.”
The party will include red carpet arrivals, a multimedia dance party with DJ MTK, food by Chipotle Mexican Grill and other caterers, and some fun perks for sponsors. At $5,000 or more, for instance, a sponsor group will get its own personal assistant for the night.
“Our guests will be treated like celebrities for the entire spectacular event,” said Melva Williams, RFC board member, gala co-chair and executive associate to the chancellor at Southern University at Shreveport. Southern University is donating use of its downtown campus lobby for the gala. “We are thrilled to have the support of our neighbors in the downtown Shreveport area to make Backlot possible.”
Backlot guests can also expect to be entertained through the night:

• RFC will host the red carpet arrivals on the Texas Street French Riviera, where guests can pose for the paparazzi or sip chic cocktails in the Cannes-style guest tent.
• Southern University will soothe the inner Italian by serving fine wines and serving savory foods from Venetian gondoliers.
• One of the venues in the 600 block of Texas will be transformed into a Sundance-style Wild West with beer flights and dance lessons by Sandy’s Dance.
• And Travel Crafter, LLC, is cosponsoring an exclusive Live Auction: World Festivals experience, where guests can bid on extravagant trips to the world’s greatest film festivals!
• Artspace will morph into Afterglow where DJ MTK will host an interactive, high-energy dance party. Yes, there will be breakfast burritos to go.

Sponsorships are available for $1,500 to $15,000 each. RFC’s board aims to net $200,000 from the gala to secure the nonprofit’s future in downtown Shreveport.
“The more who celebrate us, the bigger the benefit,” said Alexandyr Kent, executive director at RFC. “This is our opportunity to offer a delighted, very big thank you to our supporters, and we want everybody to come and help empower RFC to be the best arts nonprofit it can be.”
Tickets for the gala, $150 each, are on sale now.
Mission of the Robinson Film Center 
The Robinson Film Center’s mission is to educate, enrich and entertain through the power of film. RFC is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit arts organization located at 617 Texas Street in Shreveport, La.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Angela Cason, RFC Multimedia Designer
(318) 459-4121, acason@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Alexandyr Kent, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4123, akent@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Teri Kerr, Gala Co-Chair, RFC Board Member

(323) 828-2209, teriakerr@gmail.com