This Year’s Gala Deserves a Standing Ovation!
PAA’s 13th Stars in Arts Gala stole the spotlight in every way! Featuring the “Golden Age of Broadway” theme, the Gala delivered on glitz, glamour, and passion.
While PAA students took center stage both literally and figuratively, each guest felt like a superstar upon arrival. PAA students greeted each guest and provided an overview of the exciting events awaiting them.
Guests stepped into their main character moments at the 360 photo booth, showing off their gold and glamorous attire.
Next, our glam guests enjoyed cocktails while student performers led them to over 100 sought-after silent auction items and shared the many ways they could support PAA and take home elegant treasures.
As attendees took their seats and enjoyed a delicious dinner fit for a star, PAA students took the stage and performed popular songs from the Golden Age of Broadway – an era of theatre that transformed musical theatre by using songs and dances to help build plot and characters.
Just as the Golden Age of Broadway transformed musicals, PAA transforms students through the power of the performing arts. PAA student performers captivated gala guests with Broadway hits and show-stopping, toe-tapping choreography.
Their performance ended on a high note with a sing-along rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business”!
PAA Executive Director and Founder, Dr. James Ramsey, shared the “how” and “why” behind PAA’s mission. He explained the importance of creating a safe space for learning and how that leads to transformative experiences and opportunities.
Each guest was moved by PAA’s Mission Video featuring students and parents.
View the Magical Message that Inspired All Attendees
One Gala performer shared how rehearsals for this year’s Gala created the safe space she was seeking:
“Having PAA in my life during the school year has been such a gift. Things have been overwhelming lately, and [the] gala felt like [an] escape from everything else on my plate. Every rehearsal felt like a safe and happy place, and a huge part of that was because of the environment [PAA] created, the way [PAA] treated me, taught me, and just genuinely cared made such a difference.“
Our attendees were moved by the powerful messages on stage and embraced PAA’s Mission – to empower a generation of students who grow confident in their self-worth, commit to serving their communities, and celebrate their individual differences.
The audience’s passion was palpable as we achieved the highest participation in the Raise the Paddle donation.
And it wasn’t just guests who were moved by PAA’s Mission. A high school journalist who covers stories for the Los Angeles Times High School Insider asked to attend the Gala and report how PAA serves its community.
This year’s gala was our most well-attended! Thank you to all our lovely guests who took part in positively impacting future generations.
An event of this caliber takes a gifted ensemble. We would like to thank the golden ensemble that made this evening possible. The behind-the-scenes crew includes Board of Directors, faculty and staff, Gala Volunteers, Event Sponsors, and local businesses.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Gala
Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
We’re going to celebrate our 20th anniversary in style, and we want YOU to be there.
