Warwick show to raise funds for education programs

Five-time Grammy winner Dionne Warwick is coming to town March 29 for a special gala concert event to benefit Arts Center outreach programs like this weekend's Youth ArtsFest.

Money raised from the event also will help pay for a variety of education activities, including student field trip performances and ArtsReach, an artist-in-residency program that sends professional artists into area schools to work with students and teachers.

With nearly 60 charted hits, Warwick has established herself as an international legend. She won her first two Grammys for the 1960s classics "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And the next two decades would earn her three more of the prestigious music awards for "DejaVu," "I'll Never Love This Way Again" and "That's What Friends Are For."

The Warwick gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed at 8 p.m. by a live auction and the concert at 8:30 p.m.

As a kick-off to the benefit event, the Arts Center will host a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. March 26, at Morris & Whiteside Galleries. The program will include a silent auction and the presentation of the Reflection Society Award, given annually to recognize outstanding philanthropy, to the Heritage Classic Foundation.

Tickets to the gala and concert are $225. A VIP package is available for $300, which includes tickets for both events--the opening Reflection Society Award champagne reception and the Warwick gala and concert -- as well as a private pre-show reception with Warwick. Tickets for the Reflection Society champagne reception only are $50. Reservations may be made by calling 843-686-3945, ext. 239.