Performing arts students from around the region will showcase their dancing and musical talents at the 8th annual LEAP Into the Arts Gala.
The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 at Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St. in Schererville. Nancy Niequist Schoon, one of the organizers, called the gala a “labor of love” for the kids who put their hearts and souls into their crafts.
Once again this year, students from the South Shore Dance Alliance in Griffith and the Northwest Indiana Symphony’s Youth Orchestra will provide the entertainment. For the first time, however, the two will collaborate on part of their performance. Larry Brewer, the head of the SSDA, and Phil Bauman, the conductor of the orchestra, are preparing a piece from “Swan Lake,” Schoon said.
“The orchestra will also bring their chamber group, which will perform show tunes and classical music throughout a good portion of the event, ” Schoon added.
Additionally, Crown Point High School sophomore Sydney Johnson, a member of that school’s choir and orchestra, is slated to sing solo pieces.
The event doesn’t focus only on dancing and orchestra. The Southlake Children’s Choir has performed in the past, and plans for an art expo and children’s art contest could be on deck for future galas, Schoon said.
The LEAP into Arts Gala, started on Leap Day in 2007 by Kay Marcus and Heidi Pollizotto, has raised more than $100,000 for participating entities since its inception. It is the single biggest fundraiser for the not-for-profit South Shore Dance Alliance, with all proceeds going toward funding partial scholarships for students who need it most. “Our mission at SSDA is to make sure the kids who do the work get the classes they need,” said Schoon.
“Anything children are doing in the arts, they come out stronger in everything. That’s why it’s so important to support them and give them all the tools they need.” Schoon said.
The gala will include dinner and silent auctions. This year, several auctions will have “buy it now” options, and raffle baskets will be offered as well.
“It’s a really nice evening, and we do it for a good cause,” she said. “I really hope to see a ton of people out here so we can give our arts students opportunity to shine.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance writer.
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LEAP Into the Arts
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St., Schererville
Tickets: $60; $600 per table of 10. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
Information: http://www.leap2015.org/