Festival of Arts raises more than $300,000 at first virtual fundraiser gala

The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach recently announced its first virtual gala raised more than $300,000 to be put toward the Festival of Arts and next year’s Pageant of the Masters.

It raised $300,952 of its $300,000 goal.

The Fine Arts Show and Pageant of the Masters were canceled this year in response to the coronavirus with organizers saying that the cancellation was difficult, but necessary in light of the active stay-at-home orders in place. This year’s celebration would have marked the 86th Pageant of the Masters and was themed “Made in America.”

The last time the summer art show was canceled was during World War II. Organizers said in May that they were hopeful for the return of both in the summer of 2021.

Exhibits for this year’s show were moved online, as was its fundraising this year with its virtual gala, which the organization called the Simply ARTrageous: Live the Legacy Virtual Gala. The fundraiser included musical performances, celebrity appearances and comedic skits.

Those interested can watch a replay of the gala at foapom.com/virtual-gala. Organizers said that they are still accepting donations and that all proceeds will be put toward supporting the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters.

About 500 people donated, according to the organization’s website.

The virtual gala was sponsored by Stephen R. Davy Violins, the Ritz-Carlton of Laguna Niguel, Partners Bank of California and Yamaha.

“We are beyond humbled and grateful to everyone who made this event possible,” Festival of Arts Board President David Perry said in a statement. “We thank the donors for showing their support during these challenging times and for helping to position the organization for a stronger reopening in 2021.”

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