2nd annual Summer SPACtacular fundraiser takes place

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The grounds of SPAC were crowded Friday night. Not for a concert but a fundraiser to ensure the artistic and educational programs continue to reach local kids for years to come.

NEWS10's Lydia Kulbida was emcee of the second annual Summer SPACtacular. The gala was sold out for a second year. Hundreds of people enjoyed an evening on the stage and the beautiful grounds.

SPAC's educational programming reaches an estimated 50,000 students annually throughout the Capital Region in partnership with more than 120 local school and nonprofit organizations.

This Sunday is the seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists, a free community event in support of SPAC's mission to provide access to enriching arts programs for local youth. The festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region's brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists.

Research shows the arts can help a child's education in so many ways, and when many schools are struggling with their budgets, SPAC's educational programming fills the gap. This year's summer theme at SPAC is rhythm, and the hope is that the beat that was started Friday night will grow louder as more people join the chorus of support.