Every year, CSArts holds a fundraiser to support students and their pursuit in the arts. This fundraiser serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their talents while catering to their needs.
The prestigious fundraiser called Gala 2026: Midnight in Bloom took place at Sheraton, Los Angeles, San Gabriel on Saturday, March 21. Students from a variety of conservatories performed in the Gala, singing, acting, and dancing. Additionally, there were live and virtual auctions, including field trips from parent donors. Companies also showed their financial support reserving tables at the Gala for $10,000. Tickets cost $200 each. In an interview before the Gala, Mrs. Read, principal of CSArts, said she was optimistic that this Gala was going to be one of the most successful yet.
“We are securing some really big donors for the PAC upgrade, for the Performing Arts Center. We’ve already secured $100,000 for new seats and flooring. We’ve gotten another $150,000 from the Ahmanson Foundation… I think we’re waiting to hear from one of the other big funders and we feel good about it. Then, by next Monday, I will be able to know whether we’re moving forward with a renovation project in the Performing Arts Center, which will hopefully happen this summer or winter.”
Read mentioned that the foundation committee planning the Gala were at or over financial goals, but one of the Gala’s goals was to aim the money towards students who can’t afford their full financial commitments. More than a third of students are on federal free and reduced lunch, meaning that they’re living below or at the poverty line. Annually, CSArts asks for a certain amount of money from parents, but never receives the full amount requested. As a result, the Gala closes the gap by funding the other percentage.
“I loved the experience of participating in such a large show. I also met so many new people and I’m super grateful to have been a part of it,” said Ivy Pritchard, a sophomore at CSArts. She was a dancer at the Gala, and practiced on the performance for about a month and a half.
This year’s Gala brought optimism for the year ahead, and was a chance for students to showcase their talents.
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