WHERE GLAMOUR MEETS IMPACT:
Inside GALAvant, the York City Party That Powers the Arts
For one incredible evening a year, the historic Strand Theatre becomes so much more than a performance stage—it transforms into the biggest, most theatrical party in downtown York. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts will host GALAvant 1925, the sixth iteration of its signature fundraising event and the community’s most anticipated night for the arts.
As a celebratory encore for the Strand Theatre’s centennial season, this year’s GALAvant theme of 1925 pays tribute to the year the theatre first opened its doors to the public. Guests are invited to step back into the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, honor the Strand Theatre’s remarkable first one hundred years, and help ensure a vibrant future for the performing arts in York.
To learn more about the story behind GALAvant, we spoke with Mindi Haines, Director of Development, whose vision and dedication have been the guiding force for this lively fundraising celebration since the beginning.
THE SPARK BEHIND THE SPECTACULAR
When initial planning started for what would eventually become the first GALAvant in May 2017, Mindi knew she wanted to create something different from a traditional fundraising event.
“There was a need to have an additional source of revenue to support our programming and preserve our beloved theatres,” Mindi explained. “But I also wanted to do something a little bit out of the box—something that really felt like a theatre event.”
Rather than creating a conventional gala with a formal dinner and seated program, Mindi imagined an evening that captured the true spirit of the arts—something where singers, dancers, musicians and visual artists all come together in a dynamic and immersive fashion.
“I really wanted people to see and experience the theatre in a whole different way,” Mindi explained. “To move through the building, see spaces they might not normally see, and feel like they’re part of the energy of the night.”
A THEME 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING
For each special event, GALAvant takes on a new theme and transforms the Strand Theatre space through the imagination of our team and talented creative partners.
Past celebrations have transported guests to places and eras such as Casablanca, Moulin Rouge, Mardi Gras, James Bond, and even the 1980s. Surprises at these events have included a classic 1940s car backstage, a drag queen fan dance, and a larger-than-life boom box with a DJ housed in the tape deck.
At GALAvant 1925, guests can expect to see vintage-inspired decor and bask in the art-deco touches all throughout the theater. Guests will enjoy a bourbon and cigar bar, receive invitations to a secret speakeasy, play black jack, bet on horse races and so much more. There will even be a black and white silhouette artist to create one-of-a-kind “old timey” keepsakes.
But one of the best parts of the evening is watching the guests themselves become part of the experience, arriving in themed attire that adds to the energy and atmosphere of the evening. This year, we hope to see flapper dresses, pearls, sharp suits and a few surprises that even we could not dream up.
“It’s so much fun to see how people fully embrace the theme,” Mindi shared. “Guests come dressed up and really get into the spirit of the night.”
And back by popular demand, the evening will also feature York’s own Uptown Band, whose vibrant horn section and jazz-inspired sound promise to keep the dance floor moving well into the evening.
“There’s always a moment during the night when the band starts playing, people are dancing and the whole room just feels alive,” Mindi said.
AN UNEXPECTED INTERMISSION
Like all other arts organizations across the country, the Appell Center faced an unexpected challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres to close their doors in March 2020. At the time, plans were already underway for the 1980s-themed GALAvant celebration.
“When the pandemic hit, there was definitely a moment of disbelief,” Mindi recalled. “We had been planning this big event for a long time, and suddenly everything had to change.”
Instead of hosting the event, the Appell Center launched an Emergency Stabilization Fund, inviting event sponsors and supporters to redirect their contributions to help sustain the theater during this uncertain time. As always, the community responded with overwhelming generosity.
“When we were finally able to gather again for GALAvant in 2022, there was a lot of pent up excitement,” Mindi said. “There was a desire to support the theatres physically and a greater appreciation for what it means to be together as a community again. One thing COVID taught us is how much we all turn to the arts in times of need.”
THE PARTY THAT POWERS THE ARTS
While GALAvant is filled with music, costumes and celebration, it is first and foremost a fundraising event. As a nonprofit organization where ticket sales alone are not enough to cover expenses, the funds raised during GALAvant help support the Appell Center for the Performing Arts’ performances, education programs, and community initiatives.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy numerous giving opportunities—from a silent auction with unbelievable prizes and memorabilia to interactive games and never-before-seen activities.
“We want people to come ready to celebrate and ready to support the arts,” Mindi explained.
For the first time this year, GALAvant will feature a Fund a Need donation campaign. All contributions to this campaign will support the Appell Center’s Education Endowment Fund. This endowment is necessary to sustain and grow the organization’s arts education programs for years to come—programs like Stage The Page, Tot Rock, Antonio’s Imagination Hour, Summer Camps and so much more. As part of our organization’s mission, these programs are made accessible at little to no cost to attendees so everyone in the community can experience the transformative power of the arts.
WHY COMMUNITY SUPPORT MATTERS
Historic theaters often feel permanent—landmarks that seem like they’ve always been here and always will be. But across the country, many such theaters have closed their doors over the years due to financial challenges. Places like the Strand and Capitol Theatres only survive because communities choose to support them.
In addition to individual ticket sales, the GALAvant fundraising event is made possible thanks to corporate and individual sponsorships. These sponsors enjoy event tickets, recognition on digital monitors, and a chance to show other likeminded members of the community that they too believe that the arts are essential for a thriving downtown York environment.
“I see GALAvant as a step towards people in the community getting to know the Appell Center better, seeing the light, fun side of what we do and feeling a part of the iconic spaces we have here. I like seeing people be proud of that,” Mindi said. “Because it’s up to all of us to ensure these theatres will be here for the next hundred years.”
Tickets for GALAvant 1925 are now on sale to the public and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets on the GALAvant event page.
