Ms. Skinner and some of her math students attended the gala to showcase a quilt made with a design created by the students.
University Academy Foundation’s annual fundraising gala that took place on April 26 was a hit. At this year’s 25th anniversary gala, nearly $550,000 was raised to support UA students and alumni.
Each year at the gala, community members come together to raise money and support for the extra programming made available to UA students and alumni. UA students, staff and families are also able to attend the gala and help showcase what the school is all about.
For people who attend, there is a nice meal, music, dancing and just overall a lot of social time and great opportunities for fun. In the midst of the evening, money is raised in a variety of ways including through an auction featuring items such as students’ artwork, jewelry and sporting event premium packages.
The money raised at the annual gala helps to pay for students to attend a variety of different summer programs, provides grant money for teachers, and supports many other opportunities for current and former UA Gryphons. In addition, the funds are used to reward college students who earn certain GPAs during college. It also helps pay UA graduates who do summer internships through UAF.
Sam Cook, the development and community engagement director at UAF, said, “It takes over a million dollars to run our programming including study abroad, middle school camps, internships and so much more.”
Planning for big event like the UA gala can be challenging and stressful. There are a lot of things that need to be precise so that the evening is successful. Cook said UAF comes together in July and recruits committee members and volunteers to help plan the event.
His favorite part of the gala was seeing UA students talk with donors and experience something that pushed them out of their comfort zones.
Raven Kemp, a senior at UA who was able to attend this year’s gala, said, “It’s a great place to see what our school is made of and [how it is] supported but also a great way to get yourself out there and find opportunities.”
Her favorite part about the gala was being able to network with many elite people and alumni.
Mr. George Jefferson, Upper School counselor, also attended the event.
He said, “The most interesting piece of the gala for me was seeing the generations of UA students come together on stage.”
At one point in the evening, many current and former UA students took the state to participate in a presentation that addressed the past, present and future of the school. In that moment and throughout the evening, it was “emboldening” and “inspirational” to see UA students and alumni in a room full of influence, Mr. Jefferson said.
“The gala is unique because most public school students do not have access to people with the money, emotional investment and buy-in to support their study abroad and college aspirations,” he said.
Although most of the money raised goes toward students, it also helps staff members. They are able to apply for funds for different kinds of programs and initiatives that will benefit students.
Mr. Jefferson said his favorite part of the gala was being able to see UA students volunteer and try to apply their oratorical skills to engage others into conversation.
The gala is a unique opportunity to put yourself out there and let loose for a great cause. It highlights work that University Academy students, teachers and staff do every day, with the support of UAF and so many donors. The gala is not just a showcase of students’ accomplishments but a representation of the UA community.