Fresh-pressed suits. Glistening gowns. Fine dining. Exceptional entertainment.
These are just a few of the things that made our 2025 Gala a night to remember!
Together with our incredible sponsors, donors, and auction bidders, we raised over $200,000 at the Gala—enough to put 14,000 students on 194 buses headed to ArtsBridge field trips at absolutely no cost.
But the impact goes beyond that.
The night began with the sounds of jazz classics wafting through the corridor, provided by Whitefield Academy’s band students. As the doors opened, guests could peruse a selection of costumes from schools who participated in the 2025 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, and learn more about them.
As the reception opened, a talented ensemble of GHSMTA students set the tone with an electrifying first performance. Throughout the evening, their voices returned between lively auctions and heartfelt remarks, filling the room with the very art our donors make possible—a vivid reminder of the extraordinary heights students can reach when supported by those who believe in them and in the power of the arts.
Just before the final stretch of auctions, a familiar group returned to the spotlight—the Fantastic Falcons of C.J. Hicks. Now middle school students, they were invited back to make their Mainstage debut. Throwing it back to the ’80s, they had the entire room grooving along. More than just a fun throwback, their performance showed how seeds planted through early exposure to the arts continue to flourish as students grow, develop, and hone their craft.
As the evening unfolded, the true heart of the Gala became clear—not just the joy of music, performance, and community, but the purpose behind it all. Each song and story reminded guests that the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards are more than one night of celebration—they’re part of a year-round mission to uplift students through the arts.
That mission begins with Exposure. For some students, a field trip to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre may be their very first time inside a professional performance venue. The moment they step into the auditorium, the grandeur of the stage leaves a lasting impression, sparking the idea that they, too, have stories worth telling.
Exposure leads to Experience. By watching performances that connect to classroom learning while sparking imagination, students are inspired to seek out more opportunities. They begin to envision new possibilities for themselves and are motivated to become more deeply involved in the arts. And as that spark grows, it leads to Engagement—a lifelong relationship with the arts that inspires confidence, creativity, and innovation.
This is why investing in arts education matters. Every gift fuels this pipeline of opportunity, ensuring that students across Georgia can learn, grow, and dream—turning their first spark of inspiration into a lifetime of achievement.
Stay Tuned for Info on the 2026 Overture Gala, Aug 22, 2026.
For information or questions on sponsorships for The Overture Gala please contact:
Thomas Fowlkes, Executive Director
tfowlkes@artsbridgega.org
770.916.2803
Watch our 2024 Gala promo video:
2024 Gala Promo Video!