Riverdale Y honors retiring director at glamorous gala

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A bit of glamour, a bittersweet air and plenty of entertainment pervaded The Riverdale Y’s annual Broadway Stars Gala on Sunday. The event focused on raising money for theater programs such as the Riverdale Rising Stars.

The gala honored Marti Michael. Ms. Michael has been involved with the Y for nearly 30 years and is now retiring

When walking into the building, teenagers and children were running all over. The welcoming atmosphere was supported by helpful people all around. The audience was full of families and friends laughing and having fun together. 

At the gala, the Riverdale Rising Stars presented the production of Baby. The cast included members of the Rising Stars, as well as Riverdale Rep and Broadway stars.

“The goal was to have a packed house,” said spokeswoman Nic Strahl. “We had an overflowed audience and had to bring in extra chairs in the back.”

A sense of community was evident throughout the gala. 

Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz attended the show. He has been involved in The Riverdale Y since before he went into office. Both his son and daughter participated in the Riverdale Rising Stars and other theater programs at The Y.

“It is important for not only the community, but the people involved,” Mr. Dinowitz said of the Rising Stars.

The Riverdale Y offers programs for all ages. Children as young as 6 can join the Little Rising Stars. Baby showed how people from different walks of life get involved in the performances.

“It is an example of the community center’s range of talents and ages,” said Chief Operations Officer Jacob Rosenburg.

Staff members praised Ms. Michael for being a constant presence. They said when someone had a problem, they knew they could go to Ms. Michael, who would drop what she was doing to listen. 

“Nearly everything I’ve done for the last 30 years has been centered around The Y,” Ms. Michael said. “I truly don’t know how not to do this.”

Ms. Michael said she was overwhelmed by the feeling of community. She was happy that so many people came out for the gala.

A lot of discussion went in to picking the show for the gala. The musical was chosen as a farewell tribute to Ms. Michael.

“The themes of the show related to my time here at The Y,” Ms. Michael said.

The members of The Y did not realize how long Ms. Michael had been involved and will miss her, according to the Y’s Board President Bradd Gold.

“I hope she stays involved,” Mr. Gold said.

Ms. Michael said she will now take time to be with her family, but hopes to stay involved in social services.

The audience visibly enjoyed the upbeat musical held in her honor.

“It’s great that these kids and adults have a place to do this,” said director Joe Ricci.

Riverdale Y, Marti Michael, Riverdale Rising Stars, Kaitlin McCormack

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