“Magic of Music” is this year’s theme for the Virginia Avenue Project’s annual fundraising Inspiration Gala this Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Leigh Curran, the Project’s founder and artistic director, said tickets were still available to the gala that raises funds for the organization that helps children who are growing up under a variety of difficult circumstances.
“The project brings kids together with adult artists to create all different kinds of original theater, but the underlying message of what we are doing is developing the skills in these kids to think creativily, critically, and courageously about their life goals and life choices,” Curran said. “We’re not turning them into artists, we’re helping them to develop life skills.”
The “Magic of Music” themed evening will honor three leaders in the community who have shown ongoing support for the project’s role in bringing arts and education to students.
Maggi Kelley will receive the True Original Award. Kelley is General Manager of Tribeca West and former General Manager of Lantana Center. The Community Hero Award will be presented to La Vecchia Cucina’s owners Anthony Mollica and his brother Mark.
Wednesday’s gala will feature a silent auction, dinner, and songs written by Project kids and performed by professional singers.
It will be held in the grand ballroom of Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica.
Tickets are still available for $150 for one ticket or $250 for two tickets.
Since the project’s inception 19 years ago, 100 percent of participants have graduated from high school, 95 percent have gone on to college, and 98 percent are the first in their families to do so.
Children start with the program as young as six and stay involved all through high school so the impact is profound and long lasting.
For more information about the gala or the project, visit www.VirginiaAvenueProject.org or call 310.264.4224.
