New York, NY (PRWEB) October 17, 2014
Last week, The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) raised a record breaking $1M + at their annual Fall Benefit at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City.
HSA's inaugural benefit was held in 2012 and raised $232,806, then more than tripled in 2013, where the benefit rais ed $741,965. Under the leadership of HSA's Board of Directors and the executive team, 2014 marks a real milestone for the school a s they raised $1M + in event donations and from their online "Dream Big Pledge Drive" which end ed on October 11, 2014.
This year's benefit showcased talented HSA students' accomplishments including their HSA Jazz Quartet featuring Matthew Whitaker, the youngest ever Hammond Artist ever named in Hammond's 81 year history. Proceeds from the benefit make it possible for students with economic challenges to receive financial aid and scholarships to study at the Harlem School of the Arts.
"I am very proud of the dedication and enthusiasm that is surrounding HSA. The students are so deserving and it is so fulfilling to see them flourish in such an artistic, motivating environment," said Janice Savin Williams, HSA Board Vice President and Secretary.
At this year's benefit, honorees included Leadership Honoree, Christopher M. Keogh; Corporate Honoree, GE Asset Management ; and Philanthrophy Honoree, The Hearst Foundations . Honorary Co-Chairs included jazz musician Terence Blanchard , actors Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker and the evening was hosted by David Ushery of WNBC .
"This year's Gala is a testament to the hard work of HSA's Board and staff in capturing the support of committed donors who share in our vision of the School and its future. The Gala continues to be an exciting showcase for the extraordinary talent of our gifted and energetic students. This year's achievement excites and motivates us as we look forward to HSA's 50th anniversary in 2015," explains HSA Board Chairman Charles J. Hamilton, Jr.
About Harlem School of the Arts:
For nearly a half-century, the Harlem School of the Arts has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people through world-class training in the arts. HSA’s mission empowers young people mainly from under-served communities in Harlem to find and develop the artist and citizen within themselves. HSA’s environment teaches discipline, stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence and adds a dimension of beauty to the lives of each student. HSA annually serves nearly 4,000 children through on-site instruction and its vital partnerships with NYC schools. HSA stands apart among the premier arts institutions in New York City, as the sole provider of quality arts education in 4 distinct disciplines – music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. HSA boasts an impressive alumni base of Tony-award winning actors, celebrated operatic voices and jazz musicians, visual artists, dancers, and inspired citizens who cite HSA as the platform from which they launched careers in law, business and other professional fields. For more information about Harlem School of the Arts, visit http://www.hsanyc.org.
