A Summer Affair For WHBPAC’s Arts Academy

In the spirit of the summer season of gala fundraisers, on Saturday, August 13, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) will hold its annual benefit, “A Summer Affair,” to raise funds to support the work of the WHBPAC Arts Academy.

The gala will be hosted at a private waterfront estate and money raised will support the Academy’s programming, outreach, scholarships and performances. Since its inception in 1997, the organization has welcomed over 10,000 students each year through its School Day Performances and offered engaging family-friendly entertainment as well as skill-based performing arts camps, innovative classes and workshops.

“With the generosity of our donors and attendees, the theater’s goal is to ignite the creative spirit in all people, spark a love of learning, and reinforce important life skills through the arts,” said the theater’s marketing director Heather Draskin.

WHBPAC Arts Academy alumni have gone on to play integral roles in the performing arts industry and education spaces, and its reputation as a leader in School Day Performances that align with local school curricula has cemented it as a vital community resource. A creative aging class for seniors (“Melodies and Memories”), a music and dance class for differently-abled teens (“UpBeat!”), and critically acclaimed After-School Musical Theater classes help to round out the academy’s offerings, in addition to songwriting classes, tap dancing, and more. The academy’s rock band ensemble, En Fuego, won the Southampton Youth Bureau Battle of the Bands in 2021 and 2022.

“It’s going to be a fun-filled night that brings the community together to support the work of our tiny but mighty theater,” said Julienne Penza-Boone, WHBPAC’s executive director. “We’re committed to bringing the arts in all its forms to as many people as possible.

“We want to show people what is possible in the arts with their generosity. That’s why we rely on the donations from ‘A Summer Affair’ to keep the wheels turning,” Penza-Boone added. “This gala will raise money for the Arts Education component of our organization, which is what makes us so special. Our mission is propelled forward each year by people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to support the theater and the incredible work of our dedicated staff and teachers.”

Saturday’s summer gala will feature gourmet cocktails and dinner, one of a kind auction items, and dancing to the sounds of rock band Square Feeet as they pay homage to rock music of the 1960s and 1970s with their take on “The Beatles Meet the Queen … and Something in Between.”

“A Summer Affair” gala to benefit the WHBPAC Arts Academy will take place Saturday, August 13, at 7 p.m. at a private estate in Remsenburg. To purchase tickets visit whbpac.org or call 631-288-1500.

​