The Baum School of Art’s annual Fall Gala Oct. 19, honors Janet and Malcolm Gross and their service, compassion, philanthropy and support for the arts in Allentown, particularly for The Baum School of Art.

The annual gala recognizes community members who have made significant contributions to The Baum School’s long history of enriching lives through arts education.

Janet and Mal have been active on the boards of numerous charitable organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Janet is President of The Baum School of Art’s Board of Trustees and has been a serving member since 2005. Janet’s dedication is evident in her unwavering support for the school. Her leadership has guided the school through great challenges, leading to great successes.

Mal was named a Trustee of the Harry C. Trexler Trust by the Lehigh County Court in 2000. The support of the Trexler Trust for the school has been critical to its success. Mal’s history with the school traces back to his grandfather, the Mayor of Allentown, Malcolm W. Gross, who supported Walter Emerson Baum’s early efforts to establish The Baum School of Art in Allentown.

Janet and Mal have sponsored exhibitions, programs, events and activities at The Baum School of Art, and their advocacy and generous support for the arts in Allentown in invaluable.

In addition to the gala evening, The Baum School of Art will kick off its fall season with an exhibition in the David E. Rodale and Rodale Family Galleries with the works of Emmaus native Kacper Abolik, in his exhibition, “Year of the Dog.” During his time at The Baum School of Art, he will be scheduling portrait sittings and creating a special piece of art at the Gala.

This year, the Gala will be held at the Barristers Club, Allentown, beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 19, with a cocktail hour, performance by Pheobe Legere, and a silent auction with gift certificates, items and experiences from around the Lehigh Valley.

Dinner, provided by Catering by Karen Hunter, begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Attire is black-tie optional.

Gold Level sponsors of the Gala include City Center Allentown and J.B. and Kathleen Reilly and Gross McGinley, LLC.

The Baum School of Art is a community visual arts school dedicated to enriching lives through arts education, committed to providing instruction, guidance and encouragement for children, teens, and adults who wish to reach their full potential through the study of the visual arts.

The school celebrates diversity and welcomes all community members, regardless of gender, social status, race, or beliefs. In 2017–2018, The Baum School of Art served more than 5,100 students through tuition and community outreach programs on-site and off-site. The school holds approximately 350 classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and metalsmithing, fashion design and construction, photography, graphic design, illustration and more.

In addition to its educational programs, The Baum School of Art’s David E. Rodale and Rodale Family Galleries hold more than 12 gallery exhibitions a year and feature regional, national and international artists, as well as student work and several juried exhibitions.

Gala tickets information and reservations: 610-433-0032

“Good Cause” is a column about galas and fundraisers. To submit items or request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com