Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, donors, and sponsors, not to mention the performers, event staff, and volunteers who made the evening as fabulous as we had hoped it would be, Urban Gateways is thrilled to announce that the 2015 Art for All Gala, hosted March 20 in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, raised over $310,000 for arts education. That’s $35,000 more than our initial goal of $275,000.
You can’t imagine the difference this fundraising success makes in allowing us to provide artist-in-residence programs and touring performances to youth all over Chicago. Or maybe you do, because maybe the arts (whether that means theater, dance, creative writing, music, or visual arts) have touched you personally, too. Which would explain the incredible outpouring of support.
Thank you once again for understanding that a Gala isn’t just a party; it’s a crucial element of our annual operations. We would send a cocktail of gratitude to your desk if we could, but we hope you’ll enjoy these photos (all by Nikki Lewis and Alayna Kudalis) as a great alternative:
The cocktail hour in Terzo Piano featured a red carpet, live auction display, live music, drinks, and a lovely cityscape.
Guests were seated for dinner downstairs in the Modern Wing, where performances included West African drumming and dance by Kershaw Elementary students, Spanish dance by Ensemble Español, percussion by student Jawon Mayberry, teaching artist Michael Riendeau, and Urban Gateways Executive Director Eric Delli Bovi…and live a cappella by The Remedy.
Did we mention the stunning venue and the wonderful guests who raised their paddles for live auction prizes and donations in support of arts education?
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE EVENING HERE:
