Flagstar Strand Theatre's Inaugural Gala Honored Two Respected Leaders

Pontiac, MI – With Michigander fortitude, after nearly 10 inches of snow, the historic Flagstar Strand Theatre on Saginaw Street in Pontiac celebrated its 102nd birthday on Saturday, March 4. The themed 1920s Gala benefitted the theatre's nonprofit STart youth theatre programming and honored the Strand Century winners, Dr. Ora Pescovitz, Oakland University President, and Mr. Gill Garrett, Oakland County Sheriff Deputy.

Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President of Oakland University, was presented the Strand Century Award by Mr. Kyle Westberg for supporting the arts and the revitalization of Downtown Pontiac. Gill Garrett, a long-.time Oakland County Sheriff Deputy, who is a dedicated volunteer supporting student education in Pontiac was honored with the Strand Century Volunteer Award by Ms. Kristen Pursley.

A special highlight of the evening was the full theatrical presentation of the musical Annie, Jr. by the Strand youth theatre, called STart. In addition, guests enjoyed a strolling dinner, silent auction, and entertainment by the Detroit Jazz Project.

About the Flagstar Strand Theatre

In the early days, the Pontiac area had 13 theatres, and now only the Strand remains. In 2016, it reopened after receiving a three-year, twenty-million-dollar renovation as the Flagstar Strand Theatre. The theatre campus includes a fantastic stage and auditorium with seating for nearly 900, an art gallery, a theatre lounge named Charlene's, a restaurant, and a pending film society. The Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts (as Encore Performing Arts Center) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.