Chicago Academy for the Arts Shatters Its $1 Million Fundraising Goal. Over $400,000 Raised at Annual Gala
Chicago's leading arts and culture high school enters its 41st year achieving lofty goal two months early.
April 4, 2023
CHICAGO - APRIL 7, 2023 - The Chicago Academy for the Arts (The Academy) set a record by raising more than $1 Million after Inspire: The Red Carpet Gala at Chicago's Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on April 1, 2023 - nearly two months ahead of its anticipated goal. The $1 million dollar mark was reached during the event and announced by The Academy alum and critically-acclaimed songwriter Justin Tranter (they/them) who, in February, donated $500,000 - the largest single donation in the school’s history - and called for a community-wide challenge to build engagement to raise $1 million by June 30, 2023.
Inspire: The Red Carpet Gala showcased The Academy's diversity with current and former students performing musical numbers, staging theatrical pieces, and live performance art displays. A live auction paddle-raise was hosted by renowned auctioneer Keith Jones of Sayre & Jones Auctioneers. Nationally syndicated columnist Heidi Stevens, James Beard and Michelin Guide-winning restaurateur Rick Bayless were among the more than 200 guests in attendance.
Graduates of The Academy earned more than $40 million in college scholarships over the past five years and gained admission to the nation’s best universities and conservatories. Most students go on to pursue competitive careers in the arts, as well as the sciences, humanities, business, and more. Alumni exemplify the powerful effect of art and arts education as Broadway stars, GRAMMY award winners, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This special evening will highlight students, alumni, and all those that call The Academy “home.”
Not only did this school make me the artist and songwriter I am today but it saved my life in more ways than I can count. Nothing makes me prouder than to be able to support a place that educates brilliant young creatives and more importantly, gives them a foundation of compassion, community and confidence.
- Justin Tranter (they/them) - 1998, Musical Theatre
As one of Chicago's leading arts and culture high schools, and one of the most diverse schools in Illinois, The Academy created an unmatched and transformative educational model. Students are inspired to expand their potential through rigorous arts training paired with an esteemed academic curriculum.
Chicago Academy for the Arts awarded more tuition assistance in the past 12 months than ever before. Justin’s generous gift, and the funds raised through the Million Dollar Challenge enables The Academy to make a world-class education accessible to all aspiring young artists.
- Jason Patera, Chicago Academy for the Arts Head of School
Notable alumni of The Academy include Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live actor, author, comedian - 2002, Theatre), Lara Flynn Boyle (award-winning actress - 1988, Theatre), Justin Tranter (award-winning musician and music producer - 1998, Musical Theatre), Lalah Hathaway (award-winning singer - 1986, Music), Tom Gold (award-winning choreographer - 1986, Dance), and Kevin Miles (actor and current "Jake from State Farm" - 2008, Theatre).
The Academy would like to thank the Gala Chair Nadine Mallick, as well as the gala's sponsors:
- Justin Tranter
- Michael & Kelly Finnerty
- Emily Barr & Scott Kane
- Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo & Jeffrey Sanfilippo
- The Bayless Family
- Todd & Sharon Walbert
- Carlos & Dr. Marina Claudio
- Dr. Serafin DeLeon & Dr. Jennifer Chan
- Nora Fleming
- Krista Linn & Dominique Leonardi
- Law Office of Nishay K. Sanan, Esq.
- Richard & Susan Sanders
- Terri & Michael Freeman
Justin Tranter and Rick Bayless(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Head of School Jason Patera draws the number for aution game, Dash. (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Red Carpet Hosts, Asim Baraka (Musical Theatre '23) and Zoe Finkelman (Visual Arts '23) interview 2023 Faculty Legacy Award Recipient and Musical Theatre Department Chair Andy Robinson(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Justin Tranter announces that The Academy has reached its $1 million dollar fundraising goal of the Justin Tranter Challenge. (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Assistant Chair of Dance Department, Patrick Simoniello, and Gala Chair Nadine Mallick(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Visual Arts Student Emily Ross sketches model during Cocktail Hour Reception(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Dance Department Chair, Randy Duncan, and Alum and Joffrey Ballet Dancer Evan Boersma (Dance '17)(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Head of School, Jason Patera, and Songwriter and Alum, Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98)(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Red Carpet Hosts, Asim Baraka (Musical Theatre '23) and Zoe Finkelman (Visual Arts '23) interview Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98). (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Gala Emcee and Alum, Ally Ahren (Musical Theatre '17) performs with the 2023 Gala Combo. (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
