Washburn Arts Gala Nets Big Bucks For Renovations

$22,000.

That's how much fans and friends of Washburn High School donated to help repair the school's theater sound system at last month's fundraiser at the Parkway Theater.

"The auditorium was part of the original building which opened in 1925 and now is in dire need of renovation," choral and musical director Nancy Lee told Patch in an email shortly before the neighborhood gala. "We are grateful for the fundraising support the Council and Foundation are undertaking.”

Parents and teachers are hoping to buy a new sound system and wireless microphones to help support Washburn's burgeoning arts program.

"It feels great to raise that much money," gala co-organizer Deb Brisch-Cramer told Patch in an email. "People were so generous!"

The gala aimed to raise at least $20,000. The extra money, Birsch-Cramer said, would fund purchases of more wireless microphones for musical performances.