February 15 Leap into the Arts Gala to Benefit NW Indiana Youth Arts Organizations

Every February since 2007, the Leap into the Arts gala has been a major fundraising event benefitting and showcasing vocal, dance, and orchestra youth organizations in Northwest Indiana. In 2013, three 501c3 nonprofit organizations—South Shore Dance Alliance, Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Southlake Children’s Choir—will once again be participants and beneficiaries of this event. In the last five years, the gala has raised over $95,000 for participants.

This year’s gala is February 15, 2013, from 6 until 11 p.m. and will be held at the Halls of St. George in Schererville. The evening will include a complimentary cocktail hour, family style dinner, performances by all three groups, a stellar silent auction, and dancing. Event attendance in past years has gone above 400, and our goal for 2013 is to reach the 500 mark.

• South Shore Dance Alliance (SSDA) is a premiere contemporary dance company and studio in Northwest Indiana now making its home in Griffith’s Franklin Center. Home to award-winning dancers, faculty, and choreographers, SSDA was founded on principles of strong work ethic, outstanding discipline, technical expertise, and a love and passion for dance that is embraced by students, performers, and audiences. SSDA believes that no aspiring dancer shall be denied access to training due to lack of financial resources, and its scholarship program is fundamental to its mission.
• Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra provides young musicians a challenging environment for musical growth within an educational atmosphere. Besides working with gifted professional conductors and musicians, Youth Orchestra members are given the opportunity to enjoy the enrichment and challenge of performing with other serious and dedicated musicians.
• Southlake Children’s Choir promises to provide a premier choral experience for children and audiences throughout Northwest Indiana, helping children build confidence and poise through performance, and inspiring a lifetime of musical involvement. Founded in 1984, SCC is a non-profit choral ensemble dedicated to offering a quality musical experience to children ages seven through fourteen in Northwest Indiana.

For tickets and information about this year’s Leap into the Arts gala, go to: leapintothearts.org, email info@leapintothearts.org, or call Nancy Niequist Schoon at 219-395-6226.