SPA's Fall Luncheon Features THE HELP Author Kathryn Stockett Today, 10/10

Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), Houston's premier performing arts presenter, will host its 16th Annual Fall Luncheon today, October 10, 2012, at 11 a.m. in Jones Hall. This year's Luncheon, chaired by Lucinda Loya, with Karen Pulaski serving as the Honorary Chair, will feature guest speaker Kathryn Stockett, author of The New York Times Bestseller, The Help.

The event will be held on the Jones Hall stage with catering by Jackson & Company, and whimsical décor by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson. Kathryn Stockett will be signing books immediately following the luncheon.

SPA's Annual Fall Luncheon is one of two special fundraising events held each season to raise money for the organization's Education and Outreach Program, Beyond the Spotlight, which takes performing artists into the community for unique learning experiences. Through such activities as music and dance master classes, artist residencies, teacher workshops, lecture/demonstrations, creative writing/choreography programs and student matinees, SPA is able to enrich the lives of more than 125,000 underserved children and adolescents in the greater Houston area annually.

In 2009, Society for the Performing Arts established the annual Ann Sakowitz Performing Arts Advocate Award to present at its Fall Luncheon each October to commemorate National Arts and Humanities Month. This award, named in memory of SPA Founding Board Member Ann Sakowitz for her dedication to the arts and her commitment to SPA, recognize an individual who, through their support and advocacy, champions the performing arts. This year's award will be presented to Mariquita Masterson. Past recipients include Mrs. Sakowitz's daughter, Lynn Wyatt, as well as Patricia Hubbard and Patsy Fourticq.

Tickets and tables are still available. Individual tickets start at $250. For underwriting opportunities and ticket information, contact William Tayar at 713-632-8103 or email William@spahouston.org.