"Hamilton" cast members, a Disney artist, and an "America's Got Talent" mentalist will headline an interactive series of live virtual events as part of West Chester University's 38th annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala. Instead of being a one-night event, the 2021: G.A.L.A. will consist of six live virtual events over nine weeks. It will focus on the G.A.L.A.'s true meaning - "to Give. to Advance. to Lead. to Achieve."

Each year, the G.A.L.A. draws more than 300 members of the community. Since its inception in 1983, it has raised more than $1.2 million for West Chester University students through a renewable, four-year Presidential Scholarship. Designed to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, the Presidential Scholarship is funded entirely by private donations.

The 2021: G.A.L.A. will kick off on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15, with behind-the-scenes stories and two vocal performances shared by cast members from the San Francisco production of Broadway's hit show "Hamilton." Other highlights include Cartooning With a Disney Artist on Saturday, Feb. 27, and WCU's inaugural Charter Day of Giving, to be celebrated on Wednesday, March 10. Kaplans Fine Jewelry will provide a diamond giveaway drawing. To promote audience interaction, virtual audiences for the aforementioned programs will be capped.

On Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m., "America's Got Talent" mentalist and illusionist Wayne Hoffman will present "Distant Deceptions: An Interactive Virtual Mind Reading and Illusion Show." Hoffman tours the globe with his stage show "Mind Candy"; his motivational keynote, "The Power and Potential of the Human Mind"; and his award-winning virtual show "Distant Deceptions." He is also the author of the motivational book "Mind Candy."

On Saturday, April 17, at 8 p.m., West Chester University president Christopher Fiorentino and Susan Fiorentino will host an event featuring actor, director, producer, and author Henry Winkler. Winkler, who has worked in Hollywood for over four decades, will share anecdotes as well as lessons he has learned about overcoming adversity through his efforts to achieve his career in television and entertainment.

Readers may purchase a virtual ticket or become a sponsor by visiting http://www.wcufoundation.org/gala/. A variety of price points are available for tickets. For more information, readers may contact the Events Office at events@wcufoundation.org.