On Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, Harlem School of the Arts hosted its annual gala benefit to support the school’s year-round visual and performing arts programming and initiatives. This year’s event was transformed into a Halloween masquerade ball held in the Grand Ballroom at The Plaza Hotel.
The star-studded evening acknowledged artists, community leaders and activists who represent outstanding achievement in arts advocacy, philanthropy and community leadership. HSA’s mission is to empower young people from underserved communities throughout the city and Harlem. The funds that are raised benefit those underserved communities.
Honorees include renowned singer-songwriter and pianist, Michael Feinstein who received the Dorothy Maynor Award; actor Sanaa Lathan and her father, director-producer Stan Lathan who were presented with the Visionary Artist Award; and Sandra L. Richards, author and executive director at Morgan Stanley, with the Betty Allen Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening also featured performances by HSA students and alumni, including HSA student Douglas Baldeo, who performed “Electricity” from Billy Elliot and William Dawson’s “Soon Ah Will Be Done” performed by Dorothy Maynor Singers and HSA Dance Ensemble. The evening also featured a live auction hosted by auctioneer CK Swett.
HSA stands among New York City’s premier arts institutions as a provider of quality arts education in music, dance, theater and visual arts. HSA boasts an impressive alumni base of Tony Award-winning actors, celebrated operatic voices and jazz musicians, visual artists, dancers and inspired citizens.
For more information about Harlem School of the Arts, visit www.HSAnyc.org.
