Each year Lake forest Academy holds a fundraiser for some aspect of either the campus or community. Last year’s Gala helped fund the new Athletic Building, and the year before that funded the Health Center. This year, the Gala, titled Art of the Imaginable, is fundraising for an improvement of the fine and performing arts programs at LFA. According to the LFA website, the Gala “is not just a project; it’s the Academy’s commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence that prepares students for their college and professional careers.” The money raised from this year’s Gala will supply students with equipment and resources that will further their artistic education and allow them to dive deeper into their passions.
Because the Gala is an event attended by LFA parents and alumni, many students are unaware of the large contribution the annual Galas have on their school life. While past Galas have been held in Reid, this year it’s being held in both Cressy, drawing attention to the Arts, and the Student Union. During the Gala, attendees mingle and donate over cocktails and other fun activities. The orchestra pit from LFAs most recent musical, Mamma Mia, will perform for parents and alumni at the Gala. For those who don’t attend or want to donate anonymously it’s possible to donate money directly through LFA’s website.
The Gala project is determined by LFA’s board of trustees. After the improvement of LFA’s athletics improving the art extracurricular seems like the next logical step. The overall goal is to enhance the fine and performing arts departments at LFA. Timothy Plambeck, Director of Music and Fine and Performing Arts Teacher, stated that there will be some much needed changes made to Cressy. For example, students that work in theater tech will receive new headsets and updated equipment. There will also be improvements to the orchestra and the upper level of Cressy which houses the visual arts classrooms.
The hosts of the Gala are parents, Leslie and Stu Rosen P’25, ’25, ’27, ’27, Julie Brandt & Timothy Lange P’25 as well as alumni co-chair Trustee Suzanne Isenberg ‘83. Isenberg describes her involvement with the Gala, “we are embarking on a journey to celebrate and support arts education at Lake Forest Academy” she says. As an alumni host, Isenberg recounts memories of her experience in the arts department which “left an indelible mark on [all alumni], from novices to seasoned artists.”
Though students’ passion for the arts may vary in strength, it is mandatory for any students to take at least three semesters of art. Even if a student does not partake in a school play or is enthused by a visual art, the improvement of Cressy and the arts department wholly impacts every student.
