Skip to main content

Purlie - Sankofa Production - February 13-15, 2026

Page 1


ABOUT DIGITAL PROGRAMS

The Gallo Center has adopted the use of digital programs meant to be viewed on cell phones or other computer devices. This change has important public health, environmental and economic benefits: reducing close contacts between patrons and ushers, cutting our use of paper, and eliminating substantial printing costs. View the program only before shows begin or during intermissions. Please be considerate of other patrons and artists on stage by not viewing it during performances. Patrons who do not observe this courtesy and create distractions may be asked to leave. Thank you!

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

The Gallo Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts center with a deep commitment to enriching the people and communities of California’s vast San Joaquin Valley. From the scintillating performances of its wonderful resident companies, to the great variety of world-class entertainment presented by the Center each season, to robust arts education programs for the region’s youth, this is where the magic happens.

From the beginning, the Center’s mission has been clearly defined: to provide an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national, and international cultural activities illuminate, educate, and entertain. Since revenue from ticket sales and facility rentals only covers a portion of the costs associated with fulfilling this mission, the Center is dependent on the generous annual financial support from donors and program sponsors within our community.

LEARN MORE AT GALLOARTS.ORG/SUPPORTUS.

ABOUT THE CENTER

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

In Person: 1000 I Street, downtown Modesto

Online: 24/7/365 at GalloArts.org

By Phone: (209) 338-2100

TICKET OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday: Noon – 6 pm Closed Sundays

Ticket Office opens two hours prior to all events

EMAIL LIST

Sign up at GalloArts.org and receive e-news about events, added performances, and special offers!

GENERAL INFORMATION

The mission of the Gallo Center for the Arts is to enrich the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national and international cultural activities illuminate, educate and entertain. The Gallo Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity of the San Joaquin Valley by offering an array of affordable cultural opportunities designed to appeal, and be accessible, to all.

The Center opened in September, 2007 and consists of the 440-seat Foster Family Theater, the 1,248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, the Marie Damrell Gallo Grand Lobby and a plaza serving both theaters, and the Modesto Rotary Music Garden.

As a regional non-profit performing arts center, the Gallo Center for the Arts presents internationally recognized touring artists in all disciplines, and also is home to four resident companies: Central West Ballet, Modesto Performing Arts, Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Opera Modesto. The Gallo Center for the Arts is a unique public/private partnership. Construction was funded jointly by the County of Stanislaus, which owns the facility, and contributions from more than 4,000 individuals and businesses given to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which today operates the Center.

PATRON EVENT INFORMATION

• Emergency exits are indicated by green exit signs located above each exit. For your safety, please check for the location of the exit nearest to your seat.

• The Gallo Center for the Arts is accessible to disabled patrons. Wheelchair seating is available in both theaters. Portable wireless listening devices are available at the Coat Check room at no charge. Please inform the Ticket Office of any special needs when ordering tickets.

• Food and beverages are not allowed in the theaters. (with the exception of bottled water and beverages served in theater cups.)

• Smoking is prohibited inside the building and within 20 feet of all entrances.

• Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the Gallo Center for the Arts’ house managers.

• The use of recording equipment and the taking of photographs in Gallo Center for the Arts theaters is strictly forbidden. The Gallo Center for the Arts reserves the right to confiscate any such equipment and/or require offending customers to exit the premises.

• As a courtesy to artists and to your fellow patrons,

please turn off or silence any mobile device on your person. No texting, please!

• Restrooms are located on all three levels of the Center.

• Lost items will be held in the Coat Check room on the main level until the end of the performance. Thereafter, please contact Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.

• All patrons MUST have a ticket to enter a performance regardless of age.

• Out of courtesy to other patrons, the Gallo Center for the Arts requests that no infants or toddlers attend any performance.

Groups qualify for discounts up to 15% on ticket prices to the many exciting performances offered by the Gallo Center for the Arts and its resident companies.

Secure your group reservation today for just 10% down of your total price!

EMPLOYEE PARTIES/REWARDS CHURCH OUTINGS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

BUS TOURS

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

SENIOR CENTER OUTINGS

HOLIDAY, ANNIVERSARY & BIRTHDAY PARTIES

…AND MORE!

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

Our group sales manager, Jesica Sanchez, is at your service. Call her at (209) 338-5064, or send an email to jsanchez@galloarts.org.

Director’s Note: The Genesis of Sankofa

The Historic Threshold

The founding of the Sankofa Theatre Company in 2012 marks a watershed moment in the cultural lineage of the Central Valley. Established in Modesto, California, Sankofa holds the distinct and historic honor of being the first African American theater company in Modesto and Stanislaus County. For decades, the stories of the African Diaspora in this region remained largely relegated to the periphery of the stage. The birth of Sankofa changed that trajectory forever, moving Black narratives from the wings to center stage. This was thanks in large part to the extending of the hand of friendship (Jim Johnson and Lynn Dickerson) by the Gallo Center for the Arts, offering a venue to produce our first play along with their expertise and knowledge. The company’s name, derived from the Akan people of Ghana, carries the weight of its mission: “Sankofa” meaning “it is not taboo or too late to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” This philosophy serves as the company’s bedrock, signaling a commitment to reaching back into history to reclaim forgotten truths while moving forward into a bold, inclusive future.

The Visionary Quartet: The Four Co-Founders

The company was forged through the collective vision of four pioneering friends, artists and educators: John Ervin III, Cheryll Knox, Elizabeth Garmon, and Greg Savage. These visionary cofounders recognized a profound “theatrical desert” regarding Black representation in the local arts scene. Their focus was not merely to entertain, but

to provide a professional platform where African American actors, playwrights, and technicians could hone their craft and share their authentic voices.

• The Visionary Focus: Their intent was to create a “cultural home” that bridged the gap between the arts community and the community at large. They sought to produce works that challenged stereotypes, sparked difficult conversations about race and equity, and celebrated the resilience of the Black spirit. By focusing on high-caliber productions, ranging from August Wilson’s “Century Cycle” and Arthur Miller to contemporary original works the founders ensured that Sankofa would be a beacon of excellence, not just a niche ensemble.

Community Impact and Acceptance

The impact of Sankofa on the Modesto community was immediate and transformative. From its debut, the company was met with overwhelming acceptance, often playing to sold-out houses at the Gallo Center for the Arts and local community spaces.

For the African American community in Stanislaus County, Sankofa provided a rare and vital mirror—a place to see their own lives, history, and struggles reflected with dignity and complexity. For the broader community, it served as an essential window into a cultural experience that had been historically overlooked.

Voices from the Community: Local news coverage often highlighted the “palpable energy” at Sankofa productions. The Modesto Bee, CBS Good Day Sacramento and other regional publications have

noted that the company’s presence “filled a void that many didn’t realize was so deep until it was finally filled.”

One poignant reflection often cited in reviews and articles captures the sentiment of the company’s arrival:

“Sankofa isn’t just a theater group; it is a movement. It has given Modesto a soul it was missing, proving that our stories are universal and that the stage is a place where we can all finally meet as equals.”

Significance of the Legacy

The significance of Sankofa Theatre Company extends beyond the footlights. It has become an institutional pillar in Stanislaus County, advocating arts education and providing training grounds for the next generation of artists of color. By the grace of God, these visionary co-founders did more than start a theater company; they ignited a cultural renaissance that continues to reshape the identity of Modesto and Stanislaus County, ensuring that the African American experience is woven permanently into the fabric of the region’s artistic history.

John Ervin III

PURLIE VICTORIOUS

“Purlie Victorious” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.

PLACE: The cotton plantation of the Old South TIME: The recent past

There will be one 15 minute intermission

Sankofa Theatre Company Mission Statement

To develop and promote the cultivation of African American history, life, and culture through the performing arts. We seek to create unforgettable moments that remind others of our common humanity, sharing the unique characteristics of the African American Diaspora with the broader community.

Special Thanks:

Lezzette Ervin

Project UPLIFT Mentoring Program

Jeremiah Williams, Oak Crafts by Jeremiah Enochs High School

John Ervin IV

Jay Freeda MyTv26

Jim Johnson

CAST

Purlie Victorious Judson ………...............…….. Lawrence Smith

Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins ……...........……….. Daijah Briley

Missy Judson ……............................................……….. Cheryll Knox

Gitlow Judson ………...........................................…….. Keith White

Charlie Cotchipee ………......................................…….. Jake Leahy

Idella Landy ………...................................…….. Elizabeth Garmon

Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee ………...........................…….. Robert Fourre

The Sheriff ……….................................................…….. Jim Johnson

The Deputy ………….............................................….. Dave Weltner

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director ………………………………...………………………….. John Ervin III

Stage Manager ................................................. Brianne Ramirez

Crew Chief …............................................................ Melissa Battle

Set Construction .......................................... Jeremiah Williams

Head Electrician ................................................... Iris Rodriguez

Head Audio ................................................... Veronica Caballero

Head Fly ......................................................................... Brad Hight

Deck Audio .............................................................. Justin Walker

Asst. Props Master ................................................ Martha Asaah

SANKOFA THEATRE COMPANY

John Ervin III, Elizabeth Garmon, Cheryll Knox, Greg Savage

GALLO

CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Director of Produced Theatre &

Special Programming ................................................. Ryan Foy

Director of Production & Technical Operations ………....………………… Jeremiah Lewis

Assistant Director of Production & Technical Operations …………....................… Thomas Garcia

Chief Executive Officer ………...................………. Chad Hilligus

Robert Fourre
Daijah Briley
Cheryll Knox
Keith White
Jake Leahy
Elizabeth Garmon
Lawrence Smith
Jim Johnson
Dave Weltner

CAST BIOS

LAWRENCE SMITH (Purlie Victorious Judson) Blessings to the reader of this passage, I Lawrence Smith want to first and foremost give all the glory to God for this surreal moment of me being able to share this gift I was given to those I love and those I am thankful for surrounding you today. There truly is a lot to appreciate in life and moments to learn from day in and day out that allow me to be the character that stands in front of you today. Might have seen me on the stage where I serve up laughs in a comedic stand up set. You may have seen my debut on the stage in A Streetcar Named Desire where I played Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, a magical experience you have to be in the quarter to truly feel. Recently I’ve been in Death of a Salesman, Born Yesterday, and Sweat. I am excited and long to give you all a wonderful experience once again. Thanks to all who have made this journey possible and my loving parents for the abundance of support. Without further ado top of da shoe! Or as my good friend Michael Lynch would say SHOWTIMEE!!

DAIJAH BRILEY (Lutibelle Gussie Mae Jenkins) is beyond thrilled to be a part of this production and deeply grateful for the opportunity to make her debut. She currently works as a substitute paraprofessional with Modesto City Schools, serves as an AVID tutor at Modesto High School, and supports students through the ACHIEVE program with Community Power Lines. Daijah is a Business Administration major at Clark Atlanta University and has gained on-screen experience as a background performer in “Fight Night” and “Black Mafia Family”. She also contributes to social media and community engagement efforts with Black Leaders United. Daijah extends her heartfelt thanks to her director, John Ervin, for believing in and taking a chance on her, to the cast for their unwavering encouragement and collaborative spirit, and to her mentor, Elizabeth Garmon, for pushing her to step outside of her comfort zone and audition. She is especially grateful to her mom, MarQuise Martin, and her brother, Alamar Reyna, for their constant love and support from the very beginning. This experience has been both joyful and profoundly rewarding, and Daijah is thankful to everyone who helped bring this artistic vision to life.

CHERYLL KNOX (Missy Judson) retired from 25 years of teaching in the special education department for Ceres Unified School District. After retirement Cheryll went into the mental health field and is now a case manager for the homeless population transitioning from the streets to housing. Cheryll is one of four co-founders of Sankofa Theatre Company,

one of the first African American Theatre companies in the Central Valley. Cheryll exercises one of her God given crafts of the arts by participating in theatrical productions in her hometown and surrounding areas. Some of the plays include Death of a Salesman, The Hitchhiker, A Raisin in the Sun, The Piano Lesson, A Christmas Memory, Ragtime, Porgy and Bess, Freedom Riders, Tawawa House, Radio Hour, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Cheryll has also participated in a host of gospel plays. A part of Cheryll also serves in the capacity as “Music Director” and “Minister of Music.” A part of Cheryll’s ministry is singing about the good news of Jesus Christ in the community and testifying about His goodness!

KEITH WHITE (Gitlow Judson) majored in Drama at the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C. He’s a 20 year veteran of the US Air Force. After retiring, he returned to acting immediately being cast in Lynn Ahrens’ Once on This Island in Salem, OR. That same year he was cast in an animated movie called “Ghost Money” and the feature film “10 Days in A Madhouse”, where he played opposite Christopher Lambert, best known for “The Highlander” and “Mortal Combat”. After relocating to Northern California in 2014, he quickly landed roles in the short films, “City Council” and “The Anatomy of a Boxer”. He was then recruited by FoolProof, a financial education company, where he starred in over 40 internet commercials. Keith went on to be cast as Doaker in August Wilson’s acclaimed play, The Piano Lesson and in Twisted Tales of Edgar Allen Poe, both at the Gallo Center in Modesto, CA. Thereafter, he starred in two of Lynn Nottage’s plays, Crumbs From the Table of Joy and Sweat. Finally, back to the Gallo Center as Willie Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

JAKE LEAHY (Charlie Cotchipee) is an actor based in the Central Valley of California and a recent graduate of California State University, Stanislaus. He has performed in a variety of roles in theater and film and has previously been seen onstage at the Gallo Center, notably playing the lead role of Stanley Yelnats IV in GCRC’s production of Holes. Jake is thrilled to make his debut with Sankofa Theater Company and is honored to help bring the production to life.

ELIZABETH GARMON (Idella Landy) is one of four cofounders of the Sankofa Theatre Company. She was most recently seen in Sankofa Theatre Company’s production of Death of a Salesman. Her previous stage credits with Sankofa include Seven Guitars, Colored People’s Time, Freedom

Riders, The Journey, and The Piano Lesson. Elizabeth has also appeared in Tawawa House, a joint production by Townsend Opera and Sankofa Theatre Company, and Townsend Opera’s, Porgy and Bess, among other works. Outside of the theater, Elizabeth serves as a high school Theater and English teacher with Modesto City Schools.

ROBERT FOURRE (Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee) fell in love with the stage at Modesto Junior College, and has since performed in dozens of theaters and films including A Raisin in the Sun and Row Don’t Drift. He is a Construction Inspector like his father before him, and is very much looking forward to being a dance mom to his 5 and 7 year old children.

JIM JOHNSON (The Sheriff) After 40 years of service at Modesto Junior College as a Professor of Speech & Theatre, plus Dean of the Arts, Humanities and Communications division, I retired and began a 14 year association with the Gallo Center for the Arts. I served for six years as the Gallo Center Arts Education Coordinator in the Pathways to Creativity program. For seven years I was the Artistic Director of the Gallo Center Repertory Company. My recent acting roles include Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Our Town, Inherit the Wind, August: Osage County, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Church and State, Tuesdays With Morrie, Of Mice and Men and On Golden Pond. My recent directing assignments include: The Piano lesson, Freedom Riders, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Stand and Deliver, The Odd Couple, Born Yesterday, Sweat and All Is Calm. I am a committee member for the Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration ceremonies. My community awards include: MJC Purdy award for excellence in education, Stanislaus County Arts Council Lifetime achievement in the arts, Stanislaus County PFLAG Special honor and the Stanislaus County NAACP Special recognition. I hold B.A. and M.A. degrees in Communication from California State University, East Bay and a PH.D. in Communication Arts and Sciences from the University of Southern California.

DAVE WELTNER (The Deputy) Dave Weltner is excited to be in another Sankofa production. Dave was last seen in the GCRC production of All Is Calm, The Christmas Truce of 1914 He has enjoyed being in several Sankofa productions including Charlie in Death of a Salesman, Carl Linder in Raisin in the Sun, Colored People’s Time, The Exonerated, The African American Experience, and Freedom Riders. Other roles Dave has enjoyed portraying include, Samuel Ratchett in Murder on the Orient Express, The Old Man in A Christmas Story, Mr. Sir

in Holes, Pastor Frank in Corbin Bernsen’s film Life with Dog, Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird, Spritzer and Mr. Pinky in Hairspray, Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdie, and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! Dave is a retired elementary school teacher of 37 years. He is thankful for the many wonderful opportunities he has had and the friends he has made over the years while he pursues his passion for acting and theater. He would like to thank his wife Kathy for all her love and support

John Ervin III
Brianne Ramirez
Ossie Davis

CREATIVE TEAM

JOHN ERVIN III (Director) is the Co-Founder and Executive/ Artistic Director of Sankofa Theatre Company, the first African American theatre company established in Modesto. Originally from Los Angeles, John’s passion for performance began in his youth, though he had to navigate a challenging environment that often-discouraged artistic expression in favor of gang culture. Persevering through these obstacles, he has since become a transformative figure in the local arts community. John’s landmark career began at Modesto Junior College, where he appeared in the school’s first-ever African American production, A Raisin in the Sun. He later returned to the role of Bobo in a subsequent Gallo Center for the Arts production. His extensive acting credits include powerful performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts as Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird, Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson, and roles in Freedom Riders, The African American Journey, The Exonerated, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Death of a Salesman and SWEAT. He also starred in Prospect Theater Project’s acclaimed production of The Whipping Man. As a director and producer, John co-directed Freedom Riders and The African American Journey. Under his leadership, Sankofa Theatre Company has produced significant works at the Gallo Center, including Looking Over the President’s Shoulder and Tawana House. And Coretta at the State Theater. To mark Sankofa’s 10th anniversary, John recently produced and performed in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (2024), which was staged at the University of the Pacific as well. After completing a directing intensive at the prestigious Berkeley Repertory Theatre, John is honored to make his formal directorial debut with Purlie Victorious, supported by a stellar cast and crew.

BRIANNE RAMIREZ (Stage Manager) This is Brianne’s second production with Sankofa Theatre Company. Brianne has over 20 years of experience stage managing Footnotes Dance Studio’s annual recitals. With a minor in theater, she has cultivated a deep passion for the performing arts. When not managing shows, she is a dedicated 5th-grade teacher, sharing her love of creativity and learning with her students. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family, whose encouragement allows her to pursue her passion for theater.

Ossie Davis (Playwright) Ossie Davis was born in Cogdell, Georgia. He graduated high school in Waycross, Georgia, and attended Howard University. In 1939, he began his career as a writer and actor with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem.

In 1946, Mr. Davis made his Broadway debut in Jeb, and went on to perform in many Broadway productions, including Anna Lucasta, The Wisteria Trees, Green Pastures, Jamaica, Ballad for Bimshire (which he co-produced), The Zulu and the Zayda, and I’m Not Rappaport (which he later reprised on film with Walter Matthau). In 1961, Mr. Davis wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed Purlie Victorious. He was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1994.

After making his film debut in No Way Out (1950, with Sidney Poitier), Mr. Davis appeared in such films as The Cardinal, The Hill, The Scalphunters, Let’s Do It Again, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Grumpy Old Men, Get on the Bus, Doctor Dolittle, Bubba Ho-Tep and Baadassss. In 1970, Mr. Davis directed his first feature film, Cotton Comes to Harlem. He went on to direct four others: Gordon’s War, Kongi’s Harvest, Black Girl, and Countdown at Kusini, which he also co-produced with his wife, Ruby Dee.

Mr. Davis’ small screen debut was in the 1955 production of The Emperor Jones, in the title role. He received Emmy Award nominations for his work in Teacher, Teacher, King, and Miss Evers Boys; in 2001, Mr. Davis was awarded a Daytime Emmy for playing the title role in the children’s special Finding Buck McHenry. He was a regular or recurring player in the series The Defenders, With Ossie & Ruby, B.L. Stryker, Evening Shade, The Client, Promised Land and The L Word. Additional television credits include Night Gallery, The Sheriff, Bonanza, Roots: The Next Generation, Alex Haley’s Queen, The Stand, Showtime’s 12 Angry Men, Touched By An Angel, Third Watch, City of Angels, and Deacons for Defense. His television writing credits include episodes of East Side/West Side and the teleplay For Us, The Living, for which he received the Neil Simon Jury Award.

With his wife, Mr. Davis produced several television specials, including Today is Ours, Martin Luther King: The Dream & The Drum, and two segments of A Walk Through the 20th Century with Bill Moyers. They also co-produced the television series With Ossie & Ruby, which aired for three seasons. In 1980, Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee founded their own production company, Emmalyn II Productions Company, Inc.

Mr. Davis was the author of three children’s books: Escape to Freedom (honored by the American Library Association and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award); Langston; and Just Like Martin. In 1998, he and Ruby Dee marked their 50th wedding anniversary with the publication of their joint autobiography, With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together, the audio version of which won a Grammy.

Mr. Davis received many honors and citations, including the N.Y. Urban League Frederick Douglass Award, the NAACP Image Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In December 2004, Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee were recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.

Mr. Davis died on February 4, 2005 at the age of 87.

Friday, March 13, 2026 7:00pm

Saturday, March 14, 2026 2:00pm

Sunday, March 15, 2026 2:00pm

Friday, March 20, 2026 7:00pm

Saturday, March 21, 2026 2:00pm

Sunday, March 22, 2026 2:00pm

Saturday, May 2, 2026 2:00pm

Sunday, May 3, 2026 2:00pm

Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00pm

Friday, May 8, 2026 7:00pm

Saturday, May 9, 2026 2:00pm

Sunday, May 10, 2026 2:00pm

Presented by Sponsored by

JULY 23-26, 2026

TICKETS ON SALE : SPRING OF 2026

PRESENTING PARTNER

Are you at risk for heart disease?

At Central Valley Doctors Health System, you can count on us for comprehensive heart care. We offer a full range of services, including cardiology, diagnostic testing and minimally invasive surgery options, plus experience performing over 22,000 open-heart surgeries.

Advanced heart care in the Central Valley. Take our

CENTER CIRCLES

As

*Charter

Sponsors

25/26

Skeet’s Insurance Service, Inc.

Arts Education

As of January 15, 20265

$25,000+

Education Foundation of Stanislaus County

Raymus Foundation

U.S. Bank

$10,000+

Jean-Charles Boisset & Gina Gallo

Kaiser Permanente

Make Dreams Real Foundation

Modesto Subaru

Freda Motto

New Bridge ManagementAdrian Harrell

Silva Injury Law, Inc.

$5,000+

Ella Webb & Shelley Dameron

Robert & Cheryl Fantazia

$2,500+

Beard Land & Investment Co.

Enterprise Mobility Foundation

Jeff Gaudio & Karen Freeborn grantLOVE project

In Memory of Caleb Hurst

Star One Credit Union

Chris & Stephanie Tyler

$1,000+

Carl Collins & Donna Flanders

Mr. & Mrs. William Gagon

Christina & Victor Gomez

Dennis & Kathy Hoskins

Ginger & Kent Johnson

Michael & Claudia Krausnick

Dr. Alex Mari

Katy & Ken Menges

Modesto Rotary Club Foundation

Pete & Charlie Rodgers

Shirley Schmidt

$500+

Cindy & John Alba

Melvin & Barbara Bradley

Ed & Jodi Felt

Cortney Hurst

Modesto Sunrise Rotary

CORPORATE PATRONS

As of January 15, 2026

The Mayol Family & Team PSC

Surla’s Restaurant Daniel Del Real – Del Real Group

Pirrone Family

Stanislaus Food Products

Burnside Body Shop

Gianelli | Friedman | Jeffries | McKernan

The Graspointner Family

Sodhi Law Group

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency

Wille Electric Supply Company, Inc.

Mistlin Honda

John & Mary Ann Sanders

Judith Simms

USS Balthasar

Ann M. Veneman

$300+

Corie Coleman

Grace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Jerry & Diane Hougland

Pam, Dave, & Jill Robert

Yogurt Mill

$150+

Donald & Judie Brimmer

Chuck & Elizabeth Harvey

Timothy C. Hubbel

Melvin & Betty Lowe

L. Wynette Murphy, M.D.

Frank & Mollie Ratto

Soroptimist International

Gary & Ann Stone

Chick & Lynda Venturini

Each

the Gallo Center partners with some of the region’s most prestigious companies, businesses that recognize the remarkable marketing value of associating with the

Below are some of the ways* we connect corporate sponsors to Gallo Center patrons. Imagine how these might impact your marketing goals.

Gallo Center

for the a r t s

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ginger Johnson, Chair of the Board

Marie D. Gallo, President Emerita† June Rogers, Director Emerita

Christina Gomez, Immediate Past Chair

Mel Bradley, Chair Elect

Sarah Grover

Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D. Jeff

Todd Aaronson

Angelica Anguiano

Rebeca Baeza

Victor Barraza

John C. Bellizzi

Jennifer Coehlo

Stacey Filippi

Robert Fores

Lou Friedman

Julian Gallo

Diane

Stephanie

Ann M. Veneman

Geoff Wong

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mani Grewal Emma Grover

Irene Angelo†

Lilly Banisadre

Carl Boyett†

Joan Cardoza

Sheila Carroll

Suzanne Casazza

Paul Draper

Ron Emerzian

Ann Endsley

Kenni Friedman

Jaime Jimenez

Brian Kline

Kevin Luttenegger

Johann Ramirez

Catherine Rhee

Rosalee Rush

Robert Soria

John Schneider

Kate Trompetter

Philip Trompetter, Ph.D. Aaron Valencia

Colleen F. Van Egmond

Julie Vander Wall

Sue Zwahlen

FOUNDING TRUSTEES

Kate

Barry Highiet†

Jeanne

M.D.

Tony Mistlin†

M.D.

Schrimp

Fred A. Silva

Ray Simon

Delmar R. Tonge, M.D.†

Tom Van Groningen, Ph.D.

Doug Vilas

Carol Whiteside†

Jeremiah Williams

Alice Yip

Memoriam

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook