It’s time for the 27th Annual Friends of the Fine Arts Center’s Benefit Gala, Auction and Preview at the Campus Center Ballroom, on Saturday, February 6th, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. And for those who love the ‘70s, this Gala is all about getting your disco threads out of the closet and dancing the night away. Guests are invited to wear their festive best or disco glam (prizes will be awarded for the best ‘70s attire).
In keeping with the theme, instead of a “red carpet” for photo ops, there will be a “shag carpet” sponsored by The Davis Financial Group and dani.fine photography. The Gala will offer reserved tables for dinner provided by UMass’ award-winning Catering Services, a silent and live auction, and then dancing to Fever, a party band playing disco, jazz, funk, rock, pop and reggae, complete with a full horn section. The Gala sold out last year, so folks are encouraged to buy their tickets early.
The evening begins with cocktails, appetizers, and music on the lower level of the Campus Center. Guests will be able to view the live and silent auction packages throughout the concourse. Dinner starts at 8 p.m. in the ballroom, along with a quick snapshot of the Fine Arts Center’s upcoming 2016-17 season. Dancing follows the live auction in the Ballroom.
The auction will be busting with plenty of “groovy” treasures including fine art, original creations, getaways, vacation homes, themed baskets and more all donated from local businesses and artists. To stay on top of who’s attending and what’s up for bid, “Like” the Fine Arts Center Gala page on Facebook and share with friends.
The Gala raises funds to provide access and deeper engagement with the arts to our diverse and multi-generational communities throughout the Pioneer Valley in a variety of ways. Every season, the Fine Arts Center’s Angel Ticket Program provides complimentary tickets to residents in the tri-county area whose financial and/or social situation would otherwise prohibit them from experiencing live performances. Funds also go to support the Global Arts programs for K-12 student performances, artists-in-residency workshops, Jazz in July scholarships and internships at the University Museum. Volunteers and board members Justin Pelis and Michael Gove are co-chairing this event. For those can’t make it to the event but would like to support those programs, please consider the FAC’s FUND-A-NEED program. Details are available online or by calling 413-545-4253.
Tickets for the Gala event are $125 per person and include a $75 tax-deductible contribution. Corporate sponsorships are available starting at $500. For more info, please call the Friends of the Fine Arts Center at 413-545-4253. For tickets to the event, call the box office at 413-545-2511 or 1-800-999-UMAS. For more details about the event go online to www.fineartscenter.com/gala. Free parking (self-park) is available in Campus Center Garage. For those who would like to stay the night the UMass Hotel is offering a special “Gala” accommodation package available by calling the hotel at 413-549-6000.
Presenting sponsors for the Gala are United Personnel Services and UMass Catering Services. Additional support comes from these Sustaining Sponsors: Applied Mortgage Services, Be Seen Leadership, Susan Clopton & John Levine, Coca-Cola, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Steven K. Daury/Daury Wealth Mgt, Davis Financial Group, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Easthampton Savings Bank, Dan Farrell LLC, First American Title Insurance Company, Finck & Perras Insurance, Five College Realtors, Florence Savings Bank, Forget-Me-Not Florist, Ian H. Fraser & Pamela Bartlett, Gage -Wiley & Co. Inc., Gateway City Arts, Gove Law Offices, Greenfield Coop. Bank/Northampton Coop. Bank, Greenfield Radiology Associates P.C., Willie & Beverly Hill, Richard & Shelley Holzman, Integrity Development & Const., Jones Realty Group, The LIFT/A Salon, MaxGate Properties, John McCarthy, Vice-Provost/Dean Graduate School, North Country Landscapes & Garden Center, Ostberg & Associates, PeoplesBank, Pioneer Valley Periodontics, Quad/Graphics, Robinson & Donovan, P.C., UMass Amhest Alumni Association, UMass College of Natural Sciences, WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM, Whalen Insurance, and Wohl Family Dentistry.