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Arts patrons, advocates and friends will be gathering for a gala event Saturday, Feb. 25  to provide funding for the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts community arts education and outreach programs.

“Cheers to 100 Years” celebrates a century of education and arts.

“This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our grand building. Construction started in 1922, and the building opened its doors as Suffolk High School in the fall of 1923,” Lorelei Costa Morrow, SCCA executive director and chief executive officer said. “Over the past 100 years, this historic building has undergone many changes – including the transformation into the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in 2006. As a nonprofit organization, we need the community’s support so we can continue to provide the arts in this historic building for the next 100 years.”.

This year’s event is for a wonderful cause, SCCA officials said in a news release, pointing to the Suffolk Center’s Arts Education and Outreach programs that provide so many opportunities for children and adults alike.

Last school year, the Wednesday Art Academy filled a need for students and parents when Suffolk public schools dismissed at noon every other week for most of the school year.

This year, new classes for adults have been added with great success, according to the release. Plans are underway for four summer camps for kids.

“Cheers to 100 Years” guests will have the chance to bid on silent auction items such as artwork, gift baskets and even tandem skydiving. The soiree also features live auction experiences that are guaranteed to inspire bidding.

The release said there will be delectable cuisine and libations, and live music for dancing provided by The Gentlemen and Their Lady, an exquisite nine-piece band based out of Washington, D.C.

“Every year the gala is successful thanks to generous friends of the center, and there are several ways to show support for the fundraiser,” Special Events chair Susan Rawls said. “We encourage people to join us at the event. Tickets are $100 per person before Jan. 31 and $125 per person after that.”

Another way to support the fundraiser is by donating an item for the silent auction, which could be a piece of original art, a service, or a gift certificate. Sharing information about the fundraiser with friends and family is always greatly appreciated, officials said in the release.

“Cheers to 100 Years” gala tickets are on sale now. Purchase them by calling the box office at 757-923-2900 or online at SuffolkCenter.org.

For more information on supporting this fundraiser, contact Development Director Susan Stone, susan.stone@suffolkcenter.org or 757-923-0003, ext. 102.