Gala 2021 – “Get a Seat At the Table” 

Overview:  After a year of distance and hybrid learning, UMA is excited to return to in-person learning as our primary mode of teaching this fall!   Our Gala theme last year, “Connections Count,” recognized that home, school, and community connections were especially crucial during this pandemic to help students stay engaged and connected during distance and hybrid learning.  

Now, as students and staff are physically able to join back together in UMA’s space, the Gala 2021 support is designed to further build on last year’s theme, by creating a 3rd floor lunch space where everyone is valued and welcomed, students and staff can gather, share a meal, and deepen community.   

Won’t you JOIN us and “Get a Seat At the Table!”       

Financial Goal:  Our Gala 2021 goal is $22,222.  Gala funds will specifically support the purchase of: 

• 10 -  8 seat tables ($1400+ each) 

•  8  -  4 seat tables ($700+ each) 

• Specialty Cafeteria Supplies (remaining). 

Format of this Year’s Virtual Gala:  This year’s Gala is once again scaled back and will include an online auction with a Fund-A-Need opportunity.  We invite you to support this year’s Gala and give what you can – maybe you can buy a seat? Buy a seat for each lunchroom period? Possibly you are able to buy a small table?  Or a large table?!?  A wide variety of auction items are also available and the proceeds all go to the purchase of ‘seats’ for the cafeteria.  Whatever you can do, your support makes a difference and is appreciated!  

What You Can Expect:  An email with auction instructions will be sent on Monday, May 17th.  This email will provide you with an INVITE LINK to the auction site so you can preview as well as register early in preparation to start bidding when the auction opens at noon on Thursday, May 20th. 

The auction closes at 8 pm on Saturday, May 22nd.  Set your calendar reminders and  also ‘like’ and ‘follow’ UMA on Facebook and Instagram to see an early preview of some of the auction items and to stay updated on the Gala.   

Gala 2021 Vision is Reflected in Artwork by UMA Teacher 

Community building. Gathering space. Shared meal.  Lunch space. Student movement. Natural light. Capital view.  Accessible for all. “Get a Seat At the Table.”  These words summarize the vision for this year’s gala fundraiser.   

To capture this year’s theme, the Gala Committee approached Brian Nagel, Visual Arts teacher at UMA for 5 years, and asked if he would create an artist inspired canvas to reflect these words.  Brian graciously accepted and, as his artwork reflects, he is gifted in his ability to provide depth and detail in his artistic expression.  Thank you, Brian, for generously offering your time and talents in support of UMA and Gala 2021!  

Brian’s canvas will be offered on the silent auction to raise funds to support the gala’s goal to purchase tables for the 3rd floor lunch space!  Might you possibly purchase this artwork for a room in your home?  Your child’s room?  Your office?  Or purchase this artwork and donate it back to UMA to hang in the cafeteria space? 

Artist:  Brian Nagel, also see:  www.briannagelart.com or follow on Instagram: brainnagelart 

On behalf of the Gala Committee, thank you for your support.  We look forward to you “Getting a Seat at the Table.  Have fun bidding!!