Presser Arts Annual Gala this Saturday

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer
Posted 1/22/25

Presser is “here for the party”, getting ready for a fun filled evening as their annual fundraising gala grows near.

Saturday, Jan. 25 will mark the 7th annual gala hosted by …

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Presser Arts Annual Gala this Saturday

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Presser is “here for the party”, getting ready for a fun filled evening as their annual fundraising gala grows near.

Saturday, Jan. 25 will mark the 7th annual gala hosted by Presser. It is as much a fundraiser as it is an opportunity for the community to come support the arts and for talented area residents to showcase their skills.

The birthplace of the gala rests within the legacy of the late founding board member, Elizabeth “Liz” Washer.

“She wanted to have a big party to show everybody what Presser was capable of,” says Executive Director, Lois Brace. “This is her vision, and it is producing everything she ever dreamt it could do.”

Washer hired Brace, who has attended every single gala, back in 2017.

“She was a visionary for sure; we miss her terribly,” says a solemn Brace who remembers her predecessor, and friend, fondly.

We remember Liz Washer and her legacy with a party, “and she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

There are a total of 21 different musical numbers, but it wouldn’t be a party if you were expected to sit and listen quietly the entire time.

“It’s very casual,” Brace explains. “Some of the performers will walk around as they perform.”

All of the performers had auditioned for this night months ago, and they have been rehearsing since. According to brace, the musical entertainment this year has a strong pop influence and will feature songs you probably know the lyrics for.

“A lot of the numbers are interactive,” says Brace excitedly.

Seeing the divide between singer and partygoer being utterly disregarded by enthusiastic performers is Brace’s favorite part of the gala. “They pull people out of their chairs, and they want to dance.”

Of course, this night is all for a cause.

“I love the fundraising aspect,” says Brace. “We’re a non-profit, so we rely heavily on the gifts of our donors.”

Speaking of donors, Presser has collected some items from the community to be auctioned off in a silent auction.

This year, attendees and table sponsors are expected to be dressed in their party best, whatever that may mean to them. The theme “here for the party” allows for just about any attire, from decade adjacent garb to gala regalia.

“It could be the 60’s, the 50’s, who knows, but it's a party with party-ware and party songs and party, party, party!” says Brace.

While Brace has been heavily involved in the gala, it is really Presser’s board of directors who organizes the event to make it what it is.

“The board of directors here is phenomenal, and they have really taken this one event a year to do almost entirely on their own,” praises Brace.

The annual gala will feature hearty appetizers, a cocktail or two, a speakeasy style section in the gallery and raffle.

“We’re about serving up the arts and giving the community what they ask for,” says Brace, who encourages the public to participate in any way they can.

The social starts at 6 p.m. with performances kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.


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