Hollywood actress Kari Matchett will be Puttin’ on the Glitz on Saturday, Feb. 27, for the Affairs of the Arts benefit at Red Deer College.
The 13th annual theatrical song-and-dance fundraiser for the RDC performing and visual arts programs will be co-hosted by Matchett, a theatre studies alumnus, who has built an impressive film and television career.
The Lethbridge native will next co-star with Brad Pitt and Sean Penn in the Terrence Malick film Tree of Life for Plan B Entertainment.
On television, Matchett has had roles in TNT’s Leverage and Heartland, as well as in the episodic drama Crash for the Starz Network. She also played Dr. Skye Wexler in the long-running drama ER.
Other TV credits include appearances in Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, The Cleaner, Shark and The Philanthropist.
“My time at Red Deer College was formative and essential,” said Matchett, who believes it gave her a strong foundation for her acting career.
“It’s my wish to see the program continue to grow and flourish.”
The RDC benefit will also be co-hosted by Lori Ravensborg, an RDC instructor and alumni whose TV appearances include CBC’s Wild Roses and Chasing Freedom, and CBS’s Children of Fortune.
Ravensborg said she sees how well the skills graduating students leave with are respected in the working world. She added she’s “absolutely thrilled” to be helping host this year’s event with her good friend, Matchett. The Affairs of the Arts, at the RDC Arts Centre, includes a martini reception at 6 p.m., a three-course sit-down gourmet dinner at 7 p.m., followed by live and silent auctions and a program of musical and theatrical entertainment performed by RDC students.
Proceeds from the benefit will help enhance the learning experience for theatre, music, motion picture arts, and visual arts students and provide awards and scholarships.
Last year’s event raised more than $58,000.
Interested sponsors can go on-line to www.rdc.ab.ca/affairs_of _the_arts.
Tickets are $175 a person and can be ordered by calling Sharon Sutherland at 403-357-3691.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com