DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Thanks to a generous $50,000 matching grant challenge from Cathy Stone, every ticket purchase, sponsorship, and gift from a new donor will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your support will go twice as far in helping the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center provide transformative arts education and opportunities for young people. Join us and help unlock the full $50,000 match!
ABOUT
The Pullum Center’s 2026 Virtual Gala will celebrate the talent, creativity, and impact of its students while raising support for free, high-quality performing arts education for youth in South Los Angeles. The virtual program will include student performances and special appearances by Emmy Award–winning actor and voice artist Keith David, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Sy Smith, and Grammy and Academy Award–winning artist D Smoke. Proceeds support Pullum Center classes, teachers, student programming, field trips, and performance opportunities.
Watch this short video to learn more about the Pullum Center.
Learn More About the Pullum Center here >>>
TALENT
Keith David
Keith David is an Emmy Award–winning actor and voice artist known for his powerful screen presence and distinctive voice. He has starred in films like Platoon, The Thing, and Crash, and is celebrated for his voice roles in The Princess and the Frog and the Halo series. His versatility has made him a standout figure across film, television, and animation.
Sy Smith
Sy Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer often dubbed the “Queen of Underground Soul.” Known for her rich vocals and genre-blending style, she has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Chris Botti, while also building a respected solo career. With critically acclaimed albums and dynamic live performances, Sy Smith continues to influence the soul and R&B landscape with creativity and authenticity.
D Smoke
D Smoke is a Grammy- and Academy Award–winning artist, rapper, songwriter, and educator from Inglewood, California. Known for his thoughtful lyricism, bilingual artistry, and powerful storytelling, he first gained national attention as the winner of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow. His music blends hip-hop, soul, and social commentary, reflecting his commitment to creativity, community, and cultural expression.
Image Credit: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP
HOST
Imani Pullum
Imani Pullum is a Los Angeles-based actor whose career began after encouragement from a family friend and training with mentors Shelli Boone and Crystal Lee Brown of iTAPELA. She made her major stage debut as Young Nala in Disney’s touring production of The Lion King, showcasing her acting, singing, and dancing talents. She later appeared on Nickelodeon’s All That and The Orville, played Betty, the daughter of Will Smith’s character, in Emancipation, and starred as Ella Gardener in Amazon Prime’s Classified. Most recently, she has a recurring role in Unaccustomed Earth, premiering on Netflix in December.
SUPPORT THE GALA
PREsenting sponsor
$20,000
Fund an entire arts class for a semester
artistic director
$15,000
Fund the salary of one of our part-time teachers, who is a local artist or former student of the Pullum Center
conductor
$10,000
Fund an out-of-state trip for performances or festivals, such as the Vail Jazz Festival, for up to 20 students
concert master
$5,000
Provide a field trip for 50 students in the summer program
Principal
$2,500
Support two students for a full year, including the summer program
CHORUS
$1,500
Support a student for a full year, including the summer program
individual tickets - $250
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Presenting SponsorS
Jim & Judy O'Brien
Kevin & Claudia Kelly
Cathy Stone
Pat Tierney
CONDUCTORS
Ken Pace & Eve Plumb
Brian Reaves
Roger Smith
CONcert masters
Mehdi & Alvia Mahmud
Geoffrey and Nancy Mann
Frank Marzano
Michael & Leslie Petrick
Robert Sloan
PRINCIPALs
Ray Hopkins
Anne Grofvert & Dennis Pace
Don & Joanna Skrdlant
Matt Zola
CHORUS
Gerri Constant
Brett Kalesky
Craig McKibben
CONTACT US
Donate Through A Donor-Advised Fund
A donor-advised fund allows you to maximize your tax benefits while supporting the Pullum Center.
If your DAF sponsoring organization does not participate in DAF Direct, please have them direct your gift to:
Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center
P.O. Box 561528
Los Angeles, CA 90056-0237
EIN: 45-2800295