OCSA announces ‘Gala: Next Stop London’ raises money for arts program

This month, the board of the Orange County School of the Arts announced that Gala: Next Stop London raised $950,000 for the arts programs of the Orange County School of the Arts.

Gala is an annual fundraiser, a celebration; guests enjoy a top-quality meal as they watch a stunning performance from OCSA student artists.

Tickets cost around $450; tables can be purchased for close to $10,000.

Of course, with such a price tag, guests experience pure luxury. There was a full course meal, served while some of OCSA’s top students performed. These performers specially auditioned for Gala months ago, and have spent countless hours rehearsing to perfection.

Montage, OCSA’s elite artistic group, also performed. Montage members are from a variety of grades. They audition to perform in a variety of events, from private fundraisers to the South Coast Plaza Christmas tree lighting to, of course, the OCSA Gala.

Guests were welcomed into Gala by students designated as greeters. Greeters wore festive British-inspired outfits, from sparkly union jack dresses to tall, furry hats. Guests then walked into a tent, which held the various silent auction items. The local community donated these luxurious and diverse goods. Gala guests used a technology called BidPal that allowed then to bid from their smartphone. Greeters helped guests with any technological difficulties.

After the silent auction, guests moved on to the best part of the night: the performance! There was a full course meal, served while some of OCSA’s top students performed. These performers specially auditioned for Gala months ago, and have spent countless hours rehearsing to perfection. Some OCSA alumni also came back to discuss the impact the school has had on their life.

Next, a spirited and exciting auction took place. This is called the “Fund-a-Dream” portion of the night. An item of particular interest was the VIP Taylor Swift Experience tickets, which were bought for around $40,000.

Gala was an exciting, gratifying, and wonderful night for all. Senior Hayley Krieger was a greeter for the 3^rd time at “Next Stop London.” She says, “Every year I’m so gratified to see the people donate so much money to the school. This year I had the pleasure of meeting the Segerstrom [renowned patrons of the arts] family. It was truly gratifying to see the people who put money into OCSA students’ education.”