Harlem School of the Arts Raises Over $1M at Gala

New York, N.Y. This week, the Harlem School of the Arts ( HSA ) hosted its 50th Year Anniversary Gala Kickoff in the Grand Ballroom at The Plaza.  The star-studded evening recognized artists, community leaders and activists that represent outstanding achievement in arts advocacy, philanthropy and community leadership while raising funds essential to helping HSA in its mission of empowering young people from under-served communities in Harlem and throughout the city to find and develop the artist and citizen within themselves.

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and children of HSA attend the Harlem School of the

Arts 50th anniversary kickoff at The Plaza on October 5, 2015 in New York City.

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Harlem School of the Arts.

Honorees for HSA’s 50th Anniversary Gala included: renowned soprano Jessye Norman (Dorothy Maynor Award) and actress and activist Cicely Tyson (Betty Allen Lifetime Achievement Award).  Artist Kehinde Wiley , Grammy-winning singer/entertainer Alicia Keys and Keys’ mother Terria Joseph were each be presented with Visionary Artist Awards.  The Corporate Award was presented to Steinway & Sons ( Michael Sweeney , CEO; the award was accepted by John Paulson , Chairman) and the Civic Award was presented to the Honorable Keith L.T. Wright .

David Ushery , Anchor for NBC 4 New York, served as Master of Ceremony alongside HSA student hosts for the evening, and auctioneer CK Swett hosted a live auction with lots that include a four-day, three-night vacation in the British Virgin Islands, a dinner for 16 guests prepared by Alexander Smalls , Executive Chef of The Cecil & Minton’s restaurants in Harlem, and a Cuban vacation with Grammy-winning pianist and bandleader, Arturo O’Farrill .

(L-R) Devin Graves, Olivia Ruiz, Alicia Keys and Elain Graham appear

onstage during the Harlem School of the Arts 50th anniversary kickoff

at The Plaza on October 5, 2015 in New York City.

Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Harlem School of the Arts.

The evening feature live performances by HSA students and alumni, including music by the HSA All Stars.

Over 300 guests attended the event, and over $1M was raised.

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA)

For nearly a half century, the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people through world-class training in the arts.  HSA’s mission empowers young people from under-served communities in Harlem and throughout the city to find and develop the artist and citizen within themselves.  HSA’s environment teaches discipline, stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence and adds a dimension of beauty to the lives of each student.

HSA stands among New York City’s premier arts institutions as a provider of quality arts education in music, dance, theatre 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 who cite HSA as the platform from which they launched careers in law, business and other professional fields.  HSA believes that all children deserve access to a quality arts education, empowering them to become the creative thinkers and innovative leaders of tomorrow.

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