MADISON , NJ — The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte, and the Board of Trustees have announced The CTW Foundation of Wilmington, Delaware will be the recipient of The Theatre's Mighty Quill Award at their 45th Anniversary Sapphire Gala to be held March 31, 2007 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. The Mighty Quill Award was established in 2002 to honor people or organizations that have demonstrated longstanding and extraordinary championship of The Shakespeare Theatre. Since its inception, the award has been presented only twice – to The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in 2002 and to the Honorable Thomas H. Kean in 2004. Accepting the award on behalf of The CTW Foundation will be Foundation Trustees Charles W. Bower, Finn M. W. Caspersen, Finn M. W. Caspersen, Jr., and Robert A. Tucker.

The Shakespeare Theatre's annual gala kicks off the 2007 45 th Anniversary Season and is their largest fundraiser of the year. Gala attendees mingle with acclaimed theatre, film and television artists and other VIPs while enjoying gourmet food and drink, a silent auction that promises unique offerings and friendly competition, and a renowned cabaret show featuring “Sapphire Hosts” David Conrad (CBS TV's Ghost Whisperer ), Broadway stars Robert Cuccioli and Laila Robins, Peri Gilpin (TV's Fraiser ), Paul Mullins (The Shakespeare Theatre's Richard III ), and Tamara Tunie (NBC TV's Law and Order: SVU ) plus many other luminaries.

Proceeds benefit The Shakespeare Theatre's productions as well as numerous education programs that benefit more than 100,000 adults, students, teachers, and young artists annually.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction in the Park Avenue Club's elegant Main Dining Room. Guests may bid on more than 80 offerings, including a collection of wines from regions featured in Shakespeare's plays, an Ireland holiday, sports packages, jewelry, items for the home, restaurant outings, one-of-a-kind rare theatrical opportunities, spectacular art and much more.

The auction is followed by dinner in the beautiful South Pavilion. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a cabaret show of music and comedy sketches inspired by the classics. The cabaret features notable performers from stage and screen including David Conrad , who most recently appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre's critically acclaimed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead . Conrad currently stars in CBS's hit series Ghost Whisperer opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Also performing will be Tamara Tunie , who received much critical praise for her portrayal of the dangerous Marquise in The Shakespeare Theatre's production of Les Liaisons Dangereueses. Tunie is a series regular, playing Medical Examiner Dr. Melinda Warner on the NBC's Law and Order: SVU .

Kathleen B. Clingan of Summit , and Pamela P. Hirsch of Basking Ridge, both members of The Shakespeare Theatre Board of Trustees, serve as Gala co-chairs. The Gala Committee members include Catherine M. Bergh of Bernardsville, Jacqueline E. Brevard of Westfield, Lynn C. Boyajian of New Vernon, Joy Cox of Summit, Pamela F. Craven of Basking Ridge, Margaret L. Domber of Kinnelon, Ann Drzik of Mendham, Michele E. Fabrizio of Short Hills, Jane Fershing of Watchung, Heidi P. Gammon of Chester, Judy Gow of Summit, Richard B. McGlynn of Far Hills, Mary O'Malley of Chatham, Janet T. Petrillo of Basking Ridge, Robin Rowland of Short Hills, Constance Carothers Silverman of Bernardsville and Holly Walker of Morristown.

Gala tickets range from $350 to $1,000 per person and there are numerous sponsorship opportunities available. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. For more information or reservations, call 973-408-3761.

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The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey 's only professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.  Additional major support is received from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the F. M. Kirby Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Shubert Foundation and Drew University , as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals.  American Airlines is the official airline of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Crystal Rock Water is the company's official water provider. Barefoot Wine is the official wine provider.