Raymond Michael Hebel has been chosen to receive the

2009 Champion of the Arts Award

Saturday, November 14 at

The Secret Garden Restaurant

For his contributions to the performing arts in the community of Moorpark

Tickets $35.00 RSVP Today. Seating is Limited

805-338-5582

The Champion of the Arts Annual Brunch is filled with song, dance and fabulous food. It is a fundraising event for the High Street Theater Foundation to assist in the production costs of The Steve Robertson Youth Theater Workshop.

Raymond Michael Hebel has long been an active force in the musical environment of Ventura County as a versatile performer, educator, and director.

Dick Clark called Raymond Michael Hebel “one of the best Elvis tribute acts in the world.” Outside of Moorpark his performances as Elvis and Tom Jones are world famous. In Moorpark, Mr. Hebel inspires young people teaching chorus and musical show production at Moorpark High School. He has been honored with NBC 4 Television’s Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. When time permits, Hebel will take to the stage as the lead in a musical or opera. Hebel lives in Moorpark with his wife, Pam, and his four sons: Raymond, Jr., Joseph, Jonathan, and Ethan.

Raymond Michael Hebel is the community of Moorpark’s Champion of the Arts.

Marilyn E. Anderson to received 2008 Champion of the Arts Award

Performer, director and educator, Marilyn E. Anderson was honored with The Champion of the Arts Award by The High Street Theater Foundation for her contributions to the performing arts in the community of Moorpark on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the Secret Garden Restaurant in Moorpark. Anderson has been a major contributor to the culture and enrichment of Moorpark and Ventura County. Her thirty -three impressive years of teaching musical theater to Ventura County’s youth have guided, enlighten and inspired students of all ages and talent.

Anderson has been a member of the faculty at Moorpark College since 1975 and at California Lutheran University since 1992 teaching private voice lessons and classes in opera, vocal literature and vocal pedagogy. She is a founding director of Moorpark College’s Opera/Music Theatre program having directed over 40 different operas, operettas and musicals in addition to programs of scenes, arias and one-acts. She has also performed in Europe as well as locally with organizations such as the USC Opera, the Los Angeles Music Theater and the Los Robles Master Chorale.

The High Street Theater Foundation was honored to have Anderson act as Musical Director in the Foundation’s successful production of Man of La Mancha.



Moorpark High School teacher Steve Robertson raises a glass as he's honored during the Champion of the Arts brunch at the Cafe Firenze in Moorpark on Sunday. Below, master of ceremonies Mike Wesner and educator/singer Ray Hebel oversee the benefit event, sponsored by the High Street Theater Foundation. STEVE CARLSON/Acorn Newspapers


A community came together to honor one of its own on Sunday when the High Street Theater Foundation honored Steve Robertson and his 40 years of teaching excellence at Moorpark High School. Nearly 100 of our town's artistic elite mingled over a splendid brunch presented by the chef and staff of the newly opened Cafe Firenze. The cream of local talent entertained, including fellow educator Ray Hebel (who performs professionally as Raymond Michael), master of ceremonies Mike Wesner, and Miss Ventura County Jamie Angelise. Songs performed included the classic operatic favorite "Marriage of Figaro" and a selection from "Wicked."

The Champion of the Arts program last year honored Clint Harper, who sits on the Moorpark Arts Council, an advisory group that reports to the city in regard to arts-related issues.

A refreshing note is that this event, one of the classiest fundraisers in Moorpark, was not for a man who was dead or retired, but a celebration of a man whose excellent work and influence on local youth has been so important. Honoree Steve Robertson is planning to continue what he's been doing for 40 years- teach, inspire and encourage students to reach for their dreams, to do their best, and have fun while they do it. Councilperson Roseann Mikos honored Robertson on behalf of the city of Moorpark. Supervisor Peter Foy and Ray Hebel were both among those who presented certificates of appreciation.

A benefit auction held during the event raised more than $3,000 to support the Steve Robertson Youth Theater Workshop held at the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club. It's a proud moment for both Moorpark and the arts when great people can come together to accomplish mighty works.

Bravo to all those involved. STEVE CARLSON/Acorn Newspapers

Click below to download and print out the Champion of the Arts Program
Champion of the Arts Program


The Next Workshop Starts January 2009

In partnership with the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club

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The High Street Theater Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization and makes no direct contributions to the High Street Arts Center.