April 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA ANNOUNCES DATE FOR 2008 GALA

            Loretto – Preparations are underway for the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art’s annual summer Gala, to be held Saturday, July 12 on the campus of Saint Francis University in Loretto. This year, the Museum will celebrate “30 Sun-Sational Years” of the Gala, and it promises to be one of the most successful and lavish events to date. Serving as Gala Chair is Kit Benzel of Altoona. The Gala is being sponsored in part by S&T Bank and Evergreen Insurance.

            Over the past three decades, the Gala has evolved into one of the most spectacular outdoor parties in Western Pennsylvania. Known for its delectable gourmet cuisine and fabulous music, the Gala also boasts splendid shopping opportunities, with silent and live auctions featuring an array of artwork, antiques, jewelry, vacation packages and much more. Tickets are $175 per person, and can be purchased by calling the Museum at (814) 472-3920. Proceeds from the event enable the Museum’s four facilities – located in Altoona, Johnstown, Ligonier and Loretto – to remain open to the public free of charge. The event also helps underwrite the Museum’s world-class exhibitions and innovative Arts-in-Education programs.