ASDF High Notes Gala Raised More than $77,000

ASDF High Notes Gala Raised More than $77,000
Posted on 05/02/2022
May 2, 2022, Allentown, PA – For the first time since 2019 friends of the Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF) gathered in person at the 12th Annual HIGH NOTES Gala Reception on March 19 and the Gala Video Matinee on March 20. The two events raised over $77,000 which supports Foundation programming and operations. Both events featured Louis E. Dieruff and William Allen High School performance groups. The Sunday event included a student art show with 2D and 3D pieces, some by Scholastic Art Award artists.
Gala Chair Dr. D'nese Sokolowski said, "The 2022 High Notes Gala was a huge success! We coordinated a well-spaced, in-person event at an Allentown landmark which highlighted student talent and exceeded our fund-raising goal which will fund exciting programs for the students of the ASD."

The Foundation recognizes Firstrust Bank for their reliable sponsorship for most of the past 12 years. This year St. Luke's University Health Network joined the effort as the Maestro Sponsor for High Notes. "As a community hospital, our mission is to serve the community and especially the underrepresented and underserved within that community. We are happy to partner with the ASD Foundation to do this," commented Dr. John Hauth, Senior Director, Sports Medicine Relations.
The Gala theme ‘Have You Heard’ drew attention to this re-imagined event. The roving reception format, sequenced small group student performances, raffles, auction and extended social hour were among the new Gala features. The theme was also used to promote the many ASDF-supported activities in the schools this year that were depicted on back-lit photo tower centerpieces designed and built by Eric Butz and Debora Roberson with assistance from Sylvia Roth and Michel Diehl.


Not knowing whether Covid would force another cancellation, the Foundation enlisted the help of Digital Feast to create a film about the ASDF and a feature presenting seven of the ASD's high school performing arts groups, including Dieruff's dynamic and thought-provoking Spittin' Truth poetry group. The videos are available on the Foundation's Gala 2022 website (https://asdf.allentownsd.org/Gala2022).

The Foundation appreciates the support of the 22 corporate and organizational sponsors, 41 patrons and advertisers, 14 Broadway Sponsors who cover the cost of sending ASD students to see a show on Broadway, and all who came out to the two events. In-kind donations from 49 silent auction item donors, The Americus Hotel, Megan Keller Photography and Morning Call enabled to Foundation to exceed its fundraising goal. "We could never achieve these goals without the broad participation and help from the many business and community sponsors, committee members, volunteers, donors and guests," added Sokolowski.

As a result, $22,750 will be awarded to twelve middle and high school student performance groups. Net proceeds also sustain the Foundation’s operation, making possible current and traditional ASDF initiatives, such as:
 An Allentown Adventure
 Artist Residencies
 ASD Showcase of Academic Excellence
 College Scholarships
 Homeless and School Uniform Grants
 Music Initiatives
 Latin Dance Program
 National History Day
 Science Fair
 Teacher Innovation Grants
 Volunteer Literacy Program


Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote, support, and fund positive educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the Foundation at 484-765-4093 or [email protected]. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. https://asdf.allentownsd.org/ .
####