Full Compass Sponsors Circus Of Chefs... The Gala

Full Compass Systems, a national supplier of professional audio, video, AV, lighting, and musical instrument sales once again sponsored the Circus of Chefs... The Gala 2011in Madison, Wisconsin. Full Compass owners Jonathan and Susan Lipp, in cooperation with co-chairs Merlin and Jenele Zitzner, of the Baraboo National Bank, organized the event that hosted over 600 guests on June 26. The eighth annual gala raised over $200,000 for the ,b>Circus World Museum, a site owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society that focuses on preserving the history of circus entertainment and memorabilia. In addition to countless hours of preparation, Full Compass also staffed the event.

Circus clowns and performers, as well as live jazz entertained attendees as they dined and viewed a breathtaking array of over 900 auction items. A highlight of the evening was new this year- a menagerie of animal figures decorated by Wisconsin artists. Donors enjoyed free martinis and tasted gourmet food from 33 local restaurants, with top chefs receiving coveted Silver Tray awards for best appetizer, entrée, dessert, beer, and wine. After the meal, the crowd was treated to The Big Top Show, a sampling of circus entertainment featuring aerialists, a hoola hoop and balancing act, horse tricks and a performance by the illusionist Tristan Christ.

In addition to the Lipps, many Full Compass employees participated in the gala. Some assisted in advance by designing the program book and helping with other planning and preparation efforts. Others worked the event assisting with setup/teardown, technical support for the live auction and staffing the unique "cork auction," where guests could take home a variety of fine wines and premium spirits for a small donation.

Susan Lipp stated, "Jonathan and I have always felt the importance of giving back. We are so appreciative of our staff and everyone else who has helped to keep this important landmark alive."