The Los Angeles Music and Art School’s second annual Winter Benefit Dinner, presented by the Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB), took place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Tamayo Restaurant and Art Gallery in East Los Angeles and provided an evening of music, food, and fun. The event was a huge success for both LAMusArt and the YPAB, raising adequate funds for the tuition-free Children’s Choir, which has grown from 8 students to over 25 in just one year. The event garnered funds well over LAMusArt’s goals, bringing in support from our cherished, long-time proponents and brand new supporters as well.
The event began at 6:30 in the evening, with welcoming remarks made by Manuel Prieto (Executive Director), Dr. Efrain Fuentes (Board President), and Jasmine Ako (YPAB Chair) followed by a deliciously authentic Mexican food dinner.
During dinner, the LAMusArt’s Children’s Choir performed a medley of holiday music directed by Music Ensembles Director, Austin Chanu and accompanied by LAMusArt Teaching Artist Brendan White. The Choir sang an array of classics, including a jazzy rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things” and a special assortment of Irving Berlin pieces. At the end of the performance, Chanu conducted a sing-along of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” for all 150 guests to join. It was a truly festive and memorable moment in the evening.
At the end of the evening, closing remarks were made by YPAB Event Chairs, Christine Mantilla and Richard Graham. Departing members of the YPAB, Radomir Avila, Jack McMorrow, and Yvette Sanchez, were honored for their service to LAMusArt, marking the end of their respective terms and the YPAB’s second operating year.
As stated by Executive Director Manuel Prieto, “… LAMusArt has upheld this mission and provided programming in music, visual arts, dance, and drama to more than 100,000 students. This feat would not have been possible without the efforts and contributions of many. Our generous supporters allow us to provide the high-quality programs our community needs each year. As essential as we all know the arts are, they are still too often the first to be cut when funding is limited, causing a great disservice to the development of our youth and to the fabric of our culture. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue providing our young students with creative outlets, despite the many obstacles we have and will continue to face.” The success of events like these are extremely important for LAMusArt in order to maintain the quality and accessibility of our arts education programs.
This event was made possible by our generous sponsors; Dr. Efrain Fuentes, EILEEN FISHER, Jane & Lou Castruccio, Hon. Ernest Robles & Linda Curtis, Jennifer Chen, Monterey International Pop Festival, Northwestern Mutual, The Casey Foundation, The Graham Family, 4Imprint, El Cholo, Oriental Trading, Envision Events, Dublab, Kitsch, and The Honest Company.
On behalf of the students, parents, staff, and teachers, we’d like to thank everyone who attended and supported the Winter Benefit Dinner. If you are interested in giving to LAMusArt, or contributing to the school’s tuition-free programs, please click here. LAMusArt always cherishes the chance to celebrate with our supporters, so please be on the lookout for upcoming events!
View photos of the event here