Hamilton cast members, a Disney artist, and an America’s Got Talent mentalist will headline an interactive series of live virtual events as part of West Chester University’s 38th Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala.

WCU’s 2021: G.A.L.A. will transform from one great night out to an inclusive spring benefit focused on the G.A.L.A.’s true meaning – To Give. To Advance. To Lead. To Achieve.

Designed to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, the Presidential Scholarship is funded entirely by private donations. Virtual events begin on Monday, Feb. 15 and are priced between $50 and $150 per login.

Purchase a virtual ticket by clicking here. For more information, contact the Events Office at events@wcufoundation.org.

Each year, the Gala draws more than 300 members of the community to an event that is dedicated to the continued academic success of WCU students. Since the Gala’s inception in 1983, the popular benefit has raised more than $1.2 million for WCU students through a renewable, four-year Presidential Scholarship. 

This year, the 2021: G.A.L.A. will offer six live virtual events over nine weeks, kicking off on President’s Day, Feb. 15, with behind-the-scenes stories and two vocal performances shared by cast members from the San Francisco production of Broadway’s hit show Hamilton. Other highlights include Cartooning with a Disney Artist on Feb. 27 and WCU’s first-ever Charter Day of Giving, to be celebrated on Wednesday, March 10. Kaplans Fine Jewelry will provide a unique diamond raffle. For an intimate experience and to promote audience interaction, virtual audiences for the above programs will be capped.

On Thursday, April 1 at 7 PM, America’s Got Talent’s mentalist and illusionist Wayne Hoffman will enlighten guests with an engaging experience they won’t soon forget. Distant Deceptions: An Interactive Virtual Mind Reading & Illusion Show will provide an evening of impossible, reality-bending mysteries.

On Saturday, April 17 at 8 PM, WCU President Christopher Fiorentino and Susan Fiorentino will host An Evening with Henry Winkler. Winkler – an actor, director, producer, and bestselling author – has enjoyed more than four decades of success in Hollywood and will share his humorous anecdotes, as well as inspirational life lessons about overcoming adversity to achieve his storied career in television and entertainment. 

“The anticipation of the Presidential Gala is always exciting,” said James P. Shinehouse and Patricia Shinehouse, co-chairs of the 2021: G.A.L.A. Steering Committee. “Like so many other things, this year’s event will be different, yet the true purpose remains unchanged – sharing our resources with those students who need a boost to help maximize their opportunity for a WCU education. While other sources may be limited for these deserving students, let’s excel at giving and sharing our ‘universe’ of compassion, and let’s have fun doing so. Pat and I are honored to host this first-ever, and hopefully only, virtual 2021: G.A.L.A.” 

Individuals, businesses, and corporations are welcome to purchase a virtual ticket for log-in access to attend one or more virtual events, join the mission as a sponsor, or make a donation as a Rocket Booster.