Spend an Evening in Paris, Rome and Madrid–in Norristown!

You can’t see the Sagrada Família, Eiffel Tower and Tower of Pisa all in one place, but you can experience the culture they symbolize all in one evening.

The will host a European Tour at its annual spring fundraiser Saturday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. The event will raise money for the center's programs and help fund its upcoming renovations and expansion.

The annual benefit includes food, music, art and dance from Spain, France and Italy.

“It’s an opportunity for community members to come together, learn something new, and support the children in the area while having a delicious meal and a fun time,” said Christine Sullivan, volunteer coordinator for the ACPPA.

Adding more exotic flavor to the event, professional dance instructor Stephanie Land will offer tango lessons to guests who want to step, glide, cross and twist in Norristown’s very own makeshift milonga.

Murals depicting well-known European landmarks, created by members of the community, will serve as a backdrop for this candlelit soirée.

Dinner will enhance the three-destination theme, with such featured dishes as albóndigas (meatballs in spicy tomato sauce), lasagne marinara or bolognese, and mousse au chocolat.

“One of our students' mother is an experienced caterer,” ACPPA Artistic Director Amy Grebe said. “[She] volunteers her time and talent each year to create a beautiful meal.”

A silent auction will offer up handcrafted jewelry, art and fine crafts, vacation packages, gourmet food baskets, family fun packs with games and art projects, gift certificates to regional spas and restaurants, autographed sports memorabilia, tickets to sporting events and more. Proceeds will help allay the cost of a greatly needed expansion of the center.

“We have greatly outgrown our current space,” Grebe said. “This summer, we will be knocking down a few walls, painting [them] and laying floors to create a second dance studio; give our music and drama programs a home of their own; and build a ceramics studio.”

The renovations will enable the center to more than double the number of students it serves, an endeavor that could further strengthen the community, according to Grebe.

As a result of the programs in which they participate, “students display increased academic performance, a greater respect for their peers as well as the arts and arts professionals, increased self-value and wellness," said Grebe. "They also feel greatly empowered by their ability to express themselves.”

Classes offered at ACPPA include drawing and painting, clay and sculpture, theater and drama, and music. Benefit guests will view a short film of the students who make the organization an essential part of Norristown’s community.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person, or $280 per table of eight, and can be reserved online at www.acppa.net/europe.html.

For families seeking child care on the evening of the event, ACPPA provides a separate and complimentary children’s party on the premises.

“What could be a better way to learn why ACPPA is such an important part of the fabric of the Norristown community and why it deserves your support?" Grebe added.