Please join us on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2025 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts! LAMMAN RUCKER, actor and Ellington alumni, will be the host!
Please consider becoming a sponsor! Sponsorships begin at $500.
Tickets are now on sale ($25-$250). If you spend $500 or more, you will automatically be considered a sponsor. Tickets
If you would to donate an item, gift certificate, or service for our Silent Auction, please click below.
Performance: The Ellington Experience, featuring alumni and students, is a showcase of all eight arts departments to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 22 with doors opening at 6 PM and show beginning at 7 PM.
Sponsorship: We couldn't do this without our Sponsors! Please consider showing your support by becoming a sponsor today. Scroll down for more information.
— HONORARY COMMITTEE —Debbie Allen Chair The British Ambassador to the United States, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, DC City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson — HOST COMMITTEE —LaVonne Taliaferro-Bunch Ellington Parent | Tracy Jade Jenkins Ellington Alumni Monique McCray Ellington Parent | Brenda Morris Ellington Fund VP & Alumni |
BECOME A SPONSOR
YOU ARE INVITED!
Dear Ellington Supporter,
In 1974, artists and leading visionaries Peggy Cooper Cafritz and Alvin (Mike) Malone established the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in a school in Northwest Washington, D.C. formerly known as Western High School. This began 50 years of free and excellent artistic and academic education to students who could not otherwise afford that opportunity. Their vision grew over the years into the world-renown institution that today offers a life-changing arts education to underserved, but talented, District youth regardless of background or ability to pay. We are inviting you to become part of this enduring legacy.
On February 22, 2025, the school will mark its 50th anniversary in a celebratory event called the Ellington Experience, a showcase of all eight arts departments, featuring student performances, a sponsor reception, and silent and live auctions.
The proceeds from this event will directly benefit current students by funding master classes from highly regarded artists, including Ellington alumni, travel opportunities for students to learn from major production houses/exhibitions (a first for many of our students), and procurement of industry-standard equipment for all departments, which ultimately enhances integrated arts through the fabric of our institution.
Your tax-deductible sponsorship will continue the DESA legacy that has produced countless leaders and professionals not only in the arts but across all disciplines. Please consider sponsoring today!
Sponsorships range from $500 to $25,000 and will ensure that you have premier seating at the show, access to the VIP reception, and your name featured on event materials and the school website.
Sincerely,
Ari Q. Fitzgerald, Esq., President, The Ellington Fund
Sandi M. Logan, M.Ed., Principal and Head of Schools
LaVonne R. Taliaferro-Bunch, Parent Representative
Monique McCray, Parent Representative
Tracie Jenkins, Ellington Alum
Silent Auction
As part of the evening's festivities, we will be having a Silent Auction with art, vacation stays, and more. If you have a gift card, vacation house, or item that you would like to donate to the Silent Auction, please contact Seth Biderman at sethbiderman@gmail.com. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.