Presser Arts Center issued a call for auditions this week. It’s something they’ve done many times in the past. But after a year in which their big events have been canceled — often more than once — just the act of planning can be daunting.

“It’s scary,” said Rob Dalton, a member of Presser’s board for the annual Gala.

The Gala is Presser’s fundraiser for the year. It’s a big event – dressy, with wine and performances and auctions that sells out every year.

Nonprofit arts organizations around the country are struggling as a result of the pandemic. Some have closed. And the uncertainties of last year have spilled into 2021.

Always with event planning there are arrangements to be made with vendors and sponsors. Brochures must be printed, media contacted, tickets sold. And there’s the whims of coronavirus thrown in.

The Gala board initially planned for an April date for the event. They were hoping to get some funds in as early in the year as possible. When they met last month, however, it was clear the schedule needed to be pushed back to the first week of June.

“We think by the time June rolls around – we think we can offer an option,” Dalton said.

More people will have been vaccinated. More people might want to get out, to see and be seen, to be entertained and throw down on an auction item or two.

“We’re cautiously optimistic,” he added.

But the board is also planning for a virtual event, just in case. And they still must sort out the entertainment, billed this year as a variety show with singers, dancers and ensemble performers.

“Who knows what we’re going to get,” Dalton observed. “We haven’t had auditions yet.”

Those start Jan. 31 and continue on Feb. 1. The Arts Center is call for a variety – obviously – of performers, including solo instrumentalists. Dalton points out that auditions will follow COVID-19 guidelines.

“It’s always been successful.” Dalton said of the Gala.