A fundraiser to help raise proceeds for Lehighton's eventual Sesquicentennial Celebration is set to take center stage.

In partnership with the Carbon County Art League, an Art Gala fundraiser will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Pfc. Clyde R. Houser-Lehighton Borough Annex, 110 N. Third St.Admission is free. Food, beverages and gifts will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be provided by pianist David Westrip.A portion of sales from the Art Gala will support all Sesquicentennial Celebration programs. The Sesquicentennial Celebration will be held from June 25-July 2, 2016.Helen Torok, Art Gala organizer, said, "We're wishing and hoping that we will experience the same amount of success as we did with the Battle of the Badges and Battle of Bands (fundraisers)."Torok said the Art Gala will feature local collections of "our" (Lehighton) popular international artist Franz Kline in honor of his birthday, with remarks by regional historian John Gunsser. There will be Franz Kline displays from Autumn Abelovsky and Kathy Rhoads Long.The Art Gala will also feature displays from celebrity artists Randolph Rabenold, Grace Rhoads, Elizabeth Budihas, Reathie Hummel and Ed Garman (LHS Class of 1933), which are not for sale.Prints will be available of Rabenold's art work.In memoriam of Richard A. DeFeo, a longtime artist and mentor, there will be a display of his art work and information on an art scholarship founded in his name.Also, Lehighton High School graduate Marcus Long's, "Lehighton in Pictures," are displayed on the borough annex ceiling.There will also be a special auction of artworks created by local artist Manny DaCosta at the Art Gala.All artwork and photos are available for purchase as published. Donations are appreciated.Contact Helen Torok at 610-349-4590.