Central California Conference
Holiday Gala Raises $400,000 for Tuition Assistance CATHIE JONES
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CATHIE JONES
Christian recording artist Steve Green, accompanied by FAA’s select choir, entertains guests at the holiday gala.
TOM KRAZAN
Guests enjoy the festive evening.
xcited about Adventist education and the work being done at Fresno Adventist Academy, an anonymous donor approached Principal Eric Johnson and offered to match $200,000 if the same funds were raised at the school’s annual holiday gala. It was a challenge he couldn’t refuse. Dec. 6, 2015, marked the 16th annual holiday gala at FAA. The school’s gala has historically raised funds for tuition aid, allowing more students to attend. The amount raised has steadily increased over the years. However, a few years ago, the amount of funds brought in by the gala began to plateau, inspiring Johnson and the gala committee to search for ways to alter the trend. Originally, donations came via ticket sales and silent auctions, most recently averaging $70,000. According to Amy Merriam, gala committee chair, Johnson changed the format two years ago. “It had become more of a boutique,” explains Merriam. “He wanted to make it into more of a fundraiser. Now, if you want to attend, you sponsor a table or come as a guest of a table sponsor.” The format change led to immediate results, and in 2014, the FAA gala raised $120,000. While organizers considered that to be a remarkable amount by singleevent fundraising standards, the growth in enrollment made financial aid needs rise, which inspired the anonymous donor’s matching pledge. “It’s inspiring to know that there are people amongst us who feel so passionately about Adventist education and who are willing to give sacrificially to see it grow,” says David Gillham, Central’s vice president of education. To add to the evening’s excitement, Johnson had arranged for acclaimed Christian recording artist Steve Green to provide a full concert, with background vocals supplied by FAA’s select choir. Green sent songs to choir instructor Jeffrey Lauritzen. “He sent his own arrangements,” said Lauritzen. “We printed the music and practiced with the performance track. [He was] great to work with; very low key and supportive.” The concert drew more attendees than usual — a total of 360, with 40 tables sponsored. The table sponsorships, ranging from $1,500-$5,000, plus individual donations and $9,000 from a dessert auction, brought in a total of $188,000. Another guest pledged the remaining $12,000 to reach the $200,000 mark in order to meet the donor’s challenge. The result was $400,000 raised in one evening for student aid. According to Johnson, the funds will be split between the remainder of this school year and next, with the majority going toward the 2016-2017 school year, helping more than 200 students attend FAA. “Too often, we underestimate what God is willing to do to help us out if we just let Him,” concludes Johnson, who is ecstatic about the record-breaking amount raised. Fortunately for the students of FAA, many people that night were willing to put their trust in God in order to further the cause of Adventist education.
Jessica Maynez Gala committee members Michiko Phillips, Amanda Nettles, Donna Krazan and Amy Merriam, chair, complete the event setup.
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