Galapalooza: A Year of Philanthropy and Exploration

A Niskayuna Woman’s Journey to Attend 12 Galas in 1 Year

Niskayuna, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Julia Durgee, a local artist, made 2024 a year to remember. She challenged herself to attend one gala a month for the entire year, not only to engage with local causes in her community but to push herself outside of her comfort zone.

The Birth of Galapalooza

“And so, I said, I’m going to do a gala a month and like anything catchy, you have to name it. So ‘Galapooza’ was just the natural next step,” said Durgee.

A Uniform for the Occasion

Walking into each event, Durgee may not have known who she was going to meet, but she definitely knew what she would be wearing. A formal dress she made herself became her uniform.

A Year of Galas

The galas chosen were mostly annual bashes, such as the Red Cross’ Fire & Ice Gala and Albany Med’s Light the Night, but included smaller galas, such as The ARC of Renssalaer County’s Gala and Empire State Aerosciences Museum’s 40th Celebration.

A Year of New Experiences

During her year-long challenge, Durgee enjoyed cheese plates, meeting new people, and learning about charitable causes in her community. She kept track of all of her findings in a spreadsheet.

Looking Ahead to 2025

In 2025, she plans to attend Kelly’s Angels Gala, Saturday, October 11th. Durgee hopes ‘Galapalooza’ will inspire others to learn more about local non-profits and the work they do.

Conclusion

Durgee’s journey, Galapalooza, is a testament to the power of philanthropy and community engagement. Her year-long challenge has not only made a positive impact on her community but has also inspired others to get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What inspired Julia Durgee to start Galapalooza?
A: Durgee challenged herself to attend one gala a month for the entire year to engage with local causes in her community and push herself outside of her comfort zone.

Q: What was Julia Durgee’s uniform for the galas?
A: A formal dress she made herself became her uniform.

Q: What were some of the galas Julia Durgee attended?
A: The galas chosen were mostly annual bashes, such as the Red Cross’ Fire & Ice Gala and Albany Med’s Light the Night, but included smaller galas, such as The ARC of Renssalaer County’s Gala and Empire State Aerosciences Museum’s 40th Celebration.

Q: What are Julia Durgee’s plans for 2025?
A: She plans to attend Kelly’s Angels Gala, Saturday, October 11th, and hopes ‘Galapalooza’ will inspire others to learn more about local non-profits and the work they do.