The Chicago Academy for the Arts welcomed over 200 guests to the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel on Saturday for its annual fundraising Gala “Movers, Shakers, Art Makers.” The Academy’s 2016 Fundraising Gala is its largest fundraising event of the year and included performances by students in all six arts departments in addition to a live and silent auction. The event raised nearly $300,000, money that will directly support the scholarship fund and will contribute to the 15% gap between tuition and cost of educating an Academy student. “We're so grateful to all who supported the event, in particular our co-chairs Kim Morrow, Emily Barr and Kelly Finnerty,” said Academy President Mary Deissler. “The funds raised directly support The Academy's faculty and arts programming, and I am pleased we were able to meet out goal."

Hosted by Emmy Award Winning Reporter, Leah Hope from ABC 7 News, the event began with performances from students in each of the school’s arts departments, offering guests a view into the diverse and comprehensive Academy arts education. The performances included choreographed dance pieces, short films, poetry readings, visual art exhibitions, classical and jazz musical performances, and scenes from plays and musicals. The show was led by the guidance of Artistic Director and Academy Theatre Department Head, Ben Dicke.

Closing remarks and acknowledgements from Academy principal Jason Patera and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Sandy Williams looked toward the future, and reflected on the accomplishments of the student body, and the contributions of the school’s active and generous donors.