Circus Arts Gala sings through the rain

The Circus Arts Gala made it rain Jan. 30 under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park — both literally and figuratively.

The literal part took place during the "Singing' Through the Rain" performance, which spotlighted the talent of children, students and professional circus performers, complete with rain coming down inside the arena (planned, of course).

The figurative part came after, when the 300 guests dressed in their best Hollywood glam made it rain donations to the Circus Arts Conservatory, resulting in the organization's most successful gala yet.

Under the direction of CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell, the CAC shows continued growth in its mission of ensuring the circus arts remain alive and well.

"We are more than a circus. From our academic magnet programs — the only accredited circus curriculum in the nation — to our science lessons in the fifth grade classrooms, to our 76-year strong Sailor Circus Academy, to our community outreach, CAC's annual fundraising gala raises funds for our year-round programming," said Mitchell. "Thank you for all the steadfast support at our most successful gala to date."