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The Suffolk Education Foundation’s eighth annual Gala for the Arts – A Night Under the Stars returns this month as it works to directly benefit Suffolk Public Schools’ fine arts programs.

The foundation’s event begins at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront, 100 East Constance Rd. 

Over the years, SEF has returned more than $40,000 directly to the theater, art, chorus, band and orchestra programs who shared their talents.

Be amazed by stellar creations from student artists, an SEF news release said. Blast off with supersonic music by student musicians. Bid on out-of-this-world desserts prepared by culinary students from the College and Career Academy at Pruden. Spark that competitive side at the silent auction. Enjoy a spectacular dinner and networking with fellow supporters of the arts.

Tickets are $75 a person and $125 a couple. A table for 10 is $625. For those who can’t attend, support the event by sponsoring a teacher’s gala ticket.

Student vocal groups scheduled to perform represent Northern Shores Elementary School, Col. Fred Cherry Middle School, Nansemond River High School and the Center for Performing and Production Arts at LHS. Instrumental groups scheduled feature Lakeland High School and Nansemond River High School.

Back again this year are dessert samples and dessert auction items provided by the culinary art students from the College and Career Academy at Pruden. Inspired by “A Night Under the Stars,” these cheesecake parfaits will also be the flavors of six full-sized cheesecakes available during our live auction – raspberry galaxy swirl, cookies ‘n dreams, and s’mores topped with toasted marshmallows.

The dinner menus is garden radicchio salad, basil-brined Frenched chicken breast set on a three cheese and spinach risotto sake and topped with creamy Tuscan tomato basil cream; petit steak with seasoned butter; grilled asparagus, petite baby carrots; dinner rolls; and a duo of cheesecake parfaits.

A cash bar will be available. 

The highlight of the fun-filled evening of networking is seeing and hearing the talents of our local students.

This year’s co-hosts are Danny Epperson and Sheena Love.

Purchase tickets online at www.suffolkeducationfoundation.