Fundraiser to showcase arts
By Casey Gillis on Jul. 12, 2007
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s upcoming fundraiser, “A Celebration of the Arts,” will bring a trio of different art forms onto the stage at Dunbar Middle School.
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday will feature a dance piece by the repertory ensemble from Dance Theatre of Lynchburg, a one-man show by Roanoke native Mike Wiley and a performance by jazz saxophonist Todd Ledbetter.
The annual event raises money for the fraternity’s scholarships, which are usually awarded to three high school seniors planning on continuing their education (last year, in honor of Alpha Phi Alpha’s centennial year, they presented seven scholarships, one for each of the fraternity’s founders).
The amounts vary anywhere between $500 to $1,500, just enough to “help with books and some supplies,” says Ronnie Shoultz, president of Gamma Nu Lamda, the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Over the years, the scholarship program has assisted more than 100 students in Central Virginia.
When awarding the scholarships, Shoultz says, they look at a student’s grades and extracurricular activities — “(we’re looking for) good, well-rounded students.”
The scholarships are available to anyone, but he says they usually end up being awarded to black male students.
“It’s used to encourage African American males to continue their education,” he adds. “Education is a major aim and a major principle in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.”
In the past, their fundraisers have included a Black and Gold Ball and “An Evening of Elegance” at The Ellington on Rivermont Avenue.
This year, “we decided to do something a little different,” Shoultz says. “I’m kind of an arts person. I was a music major in college, and I’ve been really active in the arts (here).”
He suggested doing A Celebration of the Arts to his fraternity brothers, and they liked the idea.
“I think it’s going to be something different for Lynchburg,” he says “… You can get three different idioms out of one event. (You’ll be) able to enjoy a great jazz instrumentalist, then change the focus to acting, then change the focus entirely to dancing.”
Shoultz says he asked Wiley, who was in Lynchburg in February for a series of performances, to participate because he really enjoys his work.
Wiley tours all over the country with six original one-man shows about African American history, and in each one, he plays multiple characters. Some shows require him to play as many as 20 different roles, relying mainly on his voice and posture — and few props — to bring each character to life.
“I think he’s an amazing guy, and he’s a good, good performer,” Shoultz says.
For its part, Dance Theatre of Lynchburg’s ensemble will be performing three pieces, including a new tap piece, “U 2 For 1,” choreographed by artistic director Keith Lee.
“I think it’s an opportunity for the kids to get a platform to be showcased,” Shoultz says of Dance Theatre’s involvement. “I really appreciate what Keith Lee is doing down there.”
Lee says he is honored to be a part of the fundraiser.
“I’m really excited,” he says. “I think it’s wonderful that we were invited. The Alpha Phi Alpha organization is an organization that I’ve known here in Lynchburg, and they do so much for so many.”
If You’re Going
WHAT: A Celebration of the Arts, Alpha Phi Alpha’s annual scholarship fundraiser
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Dunbar Middle School
TICKETS: $20 general admission and $30 for preferred seating and entrance into post-performance reception. Tickets can be purchased at Tom Jones Drug in Boonsboro and Givens Books on Lakeside Drive.
INFO: (434) 665-1360 or (434) 942-0011
COMMENTS