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The Suffolk Education Foundation will hold its sixth annual fundraising gala May 27, but it will have a different look and feel to it.

With the coronavirus pandemic closing schools and cancelling large gatherings, the foundation will hold a virtual gala instead starting at 7 p.m.

The gala raises money to supplement arts funding in Suffolk Public Schools, with all the proceeds from the event going to art, drama and music programs in the division.

“We’re excited about it,” said foundation president Patrick Belcher. “We’re hoping to raise $10,000 for the arts programs. This money will still go straight back to the schools and the arts programs.”

The foundation is asking students to submit a video of their performance to the foundation’s shared drive — it can be music, dance, drama or an art demonstration — or they can schedule a Zoom session with the foundation president Patrick Belcher to record their performance.

Photos of visual art creations can also be submitted to the foundation’s shared drive.

Last year’s gala saw the largest crowd in the event’s five years and had sold about 20 percent more tickets than in 2018.

The cost to view the gala online is $10 and can be purchased on the foundation’s website.

“We’re hoping to reach a much bigger audience than we ever had before,” Belcher said. “I’m hoping for people to invite their extended family to watch. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of Suffolk Public Schools. We’re excited about it.”

More information

To purchase tickets for the gala, or to submit art or video for the gala, go to the foundation’s website at suffolkeducationfoundation.org/virtual-gala for more information. The submission deadline is May 8. The gala is at 7 pm. May 27 and the cost to view the livestream is $10.