SEF Gala in Celebration of the Arts in Suffolk Public Schools
We Took a Road Trip Across America!
Thanks for Everyone's Support! Check back for photos.
Here’s your opportunity to support the music, theater and visual arts programs in Suffolk Public Schools by attending the Suffolk Education Foundation’s annual Gala in Celebration of the Arts! Buy your Gala tickets now for a fabulous night of entertainment by our students.
The seventh annual Celebration of the Arts will welcome you on Wednesday, March 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront (100 East Constance Road.) Dress attire is encouraged. Proceeds will directly benefit the fine arts programs in Suffolk Public Schools. Over the years, SEF has returned more than $40,000 directly to the theater, art, chorus, band and orchestra programs who shared their talents.
This year’s theme is “American Road Trip.” Award-winning entertainment by student orchestras, bands, and chorus groups will feature song selections to travel along America's great highways, celebrate its fantastic cities and states, and marvel at its landmarks and natural beauty.
Song selections could include My Shot from Hamilton, Georgia on My Mind, Take Me Home Country Roads, New York New York, Route 66, and Dancing in the Streets. Groups scheduled to perform include Northern Shores Elementary School Chorus, Nansemond River High School Jazz Band, John Yeates Middle School Chorus, King’s Fork High School Orchestra, John Yeates Middle School Jazz Band, and King’s Fork High School Chorus.
Also reflecting the “American Road Trip” theme will be displays of the original creations of student artists from all elementary, middle and high schools that will amaze you.
New this year will be dessert samples and dessert auction items provided by the culinary art students from the College & Career Academy at Pruden. Think about apple pie cheesecake to represent New York, peanut butter cheesecake for Virginia, key lime cheesecake for Florida, and possibly macadamia nut & pineapple cheesecake to celebrate Hawaii.
The ticket price includes a Southwestern style dinner of boneless beef ribs and bacon-wrapped barbecue shrimp. A cash bar will be available. But the highlight of the fun-filled evening of networking is seeing and hearing the talents of our local students. Proceeds are returned to the participating schools’ programs.
Tickets are $45 a person. A table for 8 is $325.
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QUESTIONS: Contact suffolkEF.contact@gmail.com or call (757) 237-3249.
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When asked why the community should attend the Gala …
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Sandra Darden, Art Teacher, said:
“The SEF Gala hits all your senses...from the visually stunning artwork and moving musical performances to the fabulous food and beautiful artwork. Your generosity and support of this Gala directly benefits the most important thing in Suffolk -- our students!”
Dr. Joleen Neighbours, SPS Fine Arts Coordinator, said::
“SEF supports the schools, helping with items that are more than "brick and mortar" but rather the “heart and soul” of teaching. The gala benefits our future innovators, dreamers, and artists - the ones who create the world in which we live. Our students need to know their talent is valued and appreciated, and not just relegated to a test score.”
Linda Hurwitz, Orchestra Director, said:
“The SEF Gala is a wonderful coming together of our extended arts community for a fabulous evening filled with both student and teacher works of art as well as musical performances. The best reason of all to attend is to enjoy this celebration of creativity right here in Suffolk, and to support the arts programs in our schools.”