Postponed to Spring 2022

SEF Continues to Support the Arts in Schools Despite COVID
 

MAY 12, 2021 ...
  The Suffolk Education Foundation regrets to announce the cancellation of its 2021 Gala to Support the Arts in Suffolk Public Schools in any format – in-person or virtual.  The event was originally set for later this month.

  This decision was directly impacted by continued COVID restrictions as well as the school division’s hybrid learning schedule.

  The Foundation has sponsored the night-out-on-the-town event since 2015, featuring displays of student artists from every school and musical performances by selected middle and high school students.  Gala proceeds are returned to the participating student groups – more than $37,000 over that time. In 2020, the SEF Gala pivoted to a live virtual event since students were already preparing for the in-person show. 

  “Despite a gala-less May 2021, the Foundation recognizes the value the event brings to support the arts in our schools and to build community awareness of the city’s talented young musicians and artists,” said SEF president Patrick L. Belcher. “We also know the significant impact that art and music education have on learning.”

  For this reason, SEF has chosen to take from its resources and support every arts program in Suffolk Public Schools with a contribution of more than $11,000 before the 2020-21 school year ends.   Every fine arts program -- a total of 57 throughout the city’s elementary, middle and high schools -- will receive a contribution.  This support is inclusive of visual arts, music, chorus, band, orchestra, and theater.

  “We do this in hopes that the arts will know they are a vital aspect of K-12 education in Suffolk Public Schools and that we will be able to celebrate at our 2022 gala,” Belcher added.  “It’s only through the regular support we get from the community that we are able to provide These awards to cheer on all our student thespians, musicians, and artists.”

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