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Local Voices

Walnut Hill Hosts Most Successful Gala in School's History

Natick, MA – Walnut Hill School for the Arts hosted 253 parents, alumni, and friends at a Gala celebrating artistic excellence at WGBH Studios on Wednesday, March 26. Through table sponsorships, ticket sales, a live auction, and gala tribute gifts the event raised over $535,000, making it the most successful the Gala in the history of Walnut Hill. 

The Gala featured student work and performances, alumni performances, and the presentation of the Robert E. Keiter Award to conductor and teacher Benjamin Zander. Comedian Christian Finnegan ’91, an original panelist of VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and a regular fixture on Comedy Central, served as emcee and kept guests laughing throughout the night. 

During the auction, guests enthusiastically raised their paddles and helped the school to raise $112,000 (and still counting) toward Walnut Hill’s Steinway Fund. Walnut Hill has recently committed to becoming an All-Steinway School and is well on its way with ten new Steinway pianos purchased last June and more to come thanks to the generosity of bidders at Gala.

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A special thanks goes out to Jenny McAuliffe P’15 and Anne Morgan, Gala Co-Chairs, as well as Sandra Delbridge P’00, ’05, Jenni Freedman P’15, Carol Olmstead P’14, and Janet Pattillo for their leadership in planning the event. 

Walnut Hill School for the Arts is an international leader in the education of young artists. The school combines renowned training in five core disciplines - creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual art - with an innovative and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Learn more at walnuthillarts.org

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