OSHKOSH – The district’s arts programming just got a six-figure boost.
The Oshkosh Area School District Education Foundation raised $101,500 to bolster visual and performing arts across the district through its annual Kentucky Derby-themed fundraising gala May 1 at The Waters.
It’s the fourth time in as many events that the gala exceeded the $100,000 mark, with this year’s edition featuring a lineup of performances and visual displays.
“This event reflects what makes Oshkosh special — a community that believes creativity, expression and the arts are essential parts of a student’s educational experience,” wrote OASD Education Foundation Director Theresa Duren in a news release. “Every dollar raised helps provide students with opportunities to perform, create, explore and build confidence in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.”
OASD student string musicians greeted more than 150 guests at the gala before they were treated to performances by the Oshkosh North High School Jazz Band and the Carl Traeger Middle School Show Choir.
The event also witnessed a presentation of Lily Guilder Ambient Fashion, created by Oshkosh North High School alumna Caitlin Stolley.
Beyond those performances, the gala had alumni and student art and faculty contributions along with “The Wishing Tree” — an interactive experience where guests shared messages of encouragement.
Proceeds from the foundation’s inaugural gala in 2023 went to the visual and performing arts in the district while OASD’s career and technical education (CTE) program was the beneficiary of the 2024 event.
Last year, the Foundation raised $131,500 for adapted sports, athletics and competitive co-curriculars.
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh arts fundraiser tops $100,000 again
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
