West Chester University’s Annual Fundraising Gala Transforms Into A Virtual Celebrity Showcase Of Events

Press release from West Chester University:

January 27, 2021

Each year, the Gala draws more than 300 members of the community to an event that
is dedicated to the continued academic success of West Chester University students.
Since the Gala’s inception in 1983, the popular benefit has raised more than $1.2
million dollars for West Chester University 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, February 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 February 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 7:00 PM ET, America’s Got Talent’s famed mentalist and illusionist Wayne Hoffman will enlighten guests with an engaging experience they won’t soon forget. Distant Deceptions: In Interactive Virtual Mind
Reading & Illusion Show will provide an evening of impossible reality bending mysteries.

On Saturday, April 17, at 8:00 PM ET, West Chester University President Christopher
Fiorentino and Susan Fiorentino will host an evening with actor, director, producer,
and best-selling author Henry Winkler. Mr. Winkler has enjoyed over 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” share James P. Shinehouse
’80 and Patricia Shinehouse, 2021: G.A.L.A. Steering Committee co-chairs. “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. Saturn Sponsors are Hobbs and Company, Inc.;
MacElree Harvey; Visual Sound; and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Neptune Sponsors
are H.B. Frazer Company, Lamb McErlane PC, Meridian Bank, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell
& Hippel LLP, and James P. Shinehouse ’80 and Patricia Shinehouse. Venus Sponsors
are The Elite Group, NJM Insurance Group, SEI Investments Company, TD Bank, and WCU
Alumni Association.

Multi-award winning performer Wayne Hoffman is recognized as one of the top mentalists in the world. He currently tours the globe
with his stage show Mind Candy, his motivational keynote, The Power and Potential of The Human Mind, and presents his award-winning virtual show Distant Deceptions. He is also the author of the best-selling motivational book, Mind Candy.

Wayne Hoffman

Wayne’s passion for the mysterious was sparked at a young age and lead him to study
the art of magic. Later, through extensive self-studies in sociology, psychology,
and human behavior, Wayne was able to develop the foundation of his skills today.
He now travels the world performing and speaking for exclusive events, theaters, television,
casinos, universities, and top corporations. Wayne’s show is a high-energy presentation
that combines mind-reading and visual magic that will amaze you. The audience experiences
seemingly supernatural phenomena in a fun and upbeat way.

He was featured on America’s Got Talent, France’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, National Geographic, CNN, The Science Channel, as well as TV Asahi, Fuji TV, and
TBS in Japan.

Henry Winkler has enjoyed over four decades of success in Hollywood and continues to be in demand as an Emmy award-winning actor, producer, director, and best-selling author.

After graduating from the Yale School of Drama in 1973, Winkler was cast as Arthur
Fonazarelli in the TV series Happy Days. His work on the show earned him two Golden Globe Awards, three Emmy Award nominations,
and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In recent years, Winkler has appeared in a number of series including the hit HBO
dark comedy, Barry.

Winkler is also a New York Times best-selling author whose books were inspired by
his struggle throughout his education due to his learning challenges. To date, he
and his co-author, Lin Oliver, have written 35 children’s novels.

Winkler has always believed in helping others and is especially passionate about children.
He has been a featured speaker at WE Day Celebrations promoting education and service
for students. His work also includes Honorary Chairman of United Friends of the Children;
Founding Member of the Children’s Action Network; the first National Honorary Chairman
of the Epilepsy Foundation of America; National Chairman of the annual Toys for Tots
campaign; the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped; the Special Olympics;
and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for children who are
physically challenged; as well as participating in numerous teenage alcohol and drug
abuse programs.

Enrolling more than 17,700 students, West Chester University is the largest member of the 14-institution Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Founded in 1871, the University is a comprehensive public institution, offering a
diverse range of more than 200 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in more
than 50 fields of study. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University
offers programs through its graduate center, the campus in Philadelphia, and online.
Six colleges and two schools comprise the University: University College, Colleges
of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work,
Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the Wells School of
Music, and the Graduate School.

The West Chester University Foundation engages donors and other partners to drive student success. WCU Foundation secures
funding that helps West Chester University students achieve more.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.