Third Annual Summer Eclipse to Benefit The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts)
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 13, 2014 -- Skender Foundation will host its third annual Summer Eclipse on Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. at The Underground Chicago. This year’s event will help raise funds for ChiArts, Chicago’s first public high school for the performing and visual arts. The event will include a premium bar, hors d’ouvres and silent auction in addition to performances and art displays by ChiArts students.
The Foundation, which supports organizations with causes impacting education and wellness, was immediately drawn to ChiArts’ cause. The school receives academic funding for its college preparatory curriculum, which runs 8 A.M. to 2 P.M., through Chicago Public Schools (CPS). However the arts programming, which begins after 2:00 P.M. and runs for three hours, relies solely on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. These funds support every part of the arts curriculum, from space and supplies to pre-professional classroom training to external opportunities and performances.
ChiArts students come from all 50 wards and are artistically gifted and diverse, with approximately 55% of the student body coming from low-income households. ChiArts executive director José Ochoa stresses the importance of equipping these students with the instruction and guidance they need, adding, “We have a lot to teach, and the students have a lot to accomplish.”
Since its 2012 inception, Skender Foundation has raised over $500,000 for more than 50 charitable organizations. Foundation chair and president Cheryl Skender says the motivation behind Summer Eclipse and their various other fundraising efforts is simple: “Seeing people, who might not otherwise have the support they need, on the road to success is really what it’s all about.”
Tickets for Summer Eclipse can be purchased online at http://www.skenderfoundation.org or by calling 312.994.3800.
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About Skender Foundation
Skender Foundation was built on the belief that everyone should have access to tools that help people make prosperous life decisions. This 501(c)(3) Private Foundation helps deserving organizations provide support to causes impacting education and wellness. For more information, visit http://www.skenderfoundation.org.
About ChiArts
Established in 2009, ChiArts is the city’s first public high school for the performing and visual arts. It offers a four-year college predatory curriculum as well as intensive training in the visual and performing arts. The entire arts programming budget is funded by individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information, visit http://www.chiarts.org/support.
Amy Ricchiuto, Skender Foundation, http://www.skenderfoundation.org, 3129943794, [email protected]
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