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The WIU PAS raised nearly $25,000 during its 2026 annual gala, “Prohibition Party: Shhh…Tell ’em Billy Sent Ya!” on May 2 in the University Union Grand Ballroom.
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The gala also marked the unveiling of the inaugural season for the upcoming Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, with season ticket subscriptions now available for purchase. More than $14,000 in ticket sales were generated by the end of the evening.
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WIU Performing Arts Society Raises Nearly $25,000 at 2026 Gala; Announces Strong Early Season Ticket Sales for Goldfarb Center Inaugural Season

May 27, 2026

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MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University Performing Arts Society (PAS) raised nearly $25,000 during its 2026 annual gala, "Prohibition Party: Shhh…Tell 'em Billy Sent Ya!" held May 2 in the University Union Grand Ballroom.

The event served as both a fundraiser supporting visual and performing arts programs at Western Illinois University and throughout the region, as well as a tribute to the late College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Dean William T. "Billy" Clow.

"The Performing Arts Society Gala is always an exciting and celebratory event for WIU and the Macomb community," said PAS Executive Director and COFAC Director of Development Patrick Downing. "This fundraiser is all about supporting the amazing visual and performing arts programs at the university, as well as throughout our region and K–12 schools. It's wonderful to see our WIU staff, faculty and administration come together with so many dedicated patrons, cherished friends and area businesses to collaboratively celebrate the arts."

The gala featured a 1920s-inspired Prohibition theme, welcoming community members, university supporters and regional businesses for an evening of dining, entertainment and philanthropy. Organizers also recognized the many sponsors who contributed to the event's success, including MidAmerica National Bank, Clock Tower Community Bank and APEX Financial Associates.

In addition to fundraising efforts for existing arts programming, the gala also served as a platform for a major milestone announcement: the unveiling of the inaugural season of the upcoming Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. Attendees were the first to receive access to purchase season ticket subscriptions for the new center.

Strong early engagement followed the announcement, with more than $14,000 in season ticket sales generated by the end of the gala. According to organizers, this response reflects significant community anticipation and support for the Goldfarb Center's opening season.

The event also included corporate sponsorships, community partnerships, and recognition of award recipients connected to the arts and the university community. Additional information about the gala and award recipients is available through the Western Illinois University Performing Arts Society.

For more information about the Performing Arts Society, visit the Western Illinois University Performing Arts Society or its official Facebook page.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing