The Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Bill Dorsey Scholarship for Barbara Ingram School for the Arts!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ally Sirbaugh
Executive Director
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
240-347-4934
allys@barbaraingramfoundation.org

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Announces New Board Members

HAGERSTOWN, Maryland, August 31, 2023—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces two new board members for this year. They include Erika Bell, owner/operator for Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar; and Wanda Mounts, CTFA, ATFA, Investment & Trust Services Relationship Manager for F&M Trust. Erika opened the Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar in downtown Hagerstown on Potomac Street two years ago, serving cold press juice, smoothies and a variety of baked goods. Wanda has served as the Investment & Trust Services Relationship Manager for F&M Trust for the past year and a half after being the Vice President of Trust Administration at The Family Heritage Trust Company for almost 14 years.

Heather Guessford is leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after many years of dedicated service.

Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Dr. Ann Anders; Brittany K. Arizmendi; Laurie Bender; E. Kenneth Grove, Jr.; Steve Hummel; Al Martin; Denver Martin; Steven P. O’Farrell; Cynthia Perini; David R. Richardson; Dr. Teresa Roberts; Lisa Shank; Lara Shepherd; Ryan Smetzer; Shelly Strong; Steve Swayne; Toby Towson; Eddie Webb and Mia-Faire Williams. The Honorary Advisory Board Members include Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Dr. Ira Lourie, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze and Patricia Stine. The Ex Officio Board Members are Elizabeth Alberding, Pieter Bickford, Dr. Robert Hovermale and Dr. David Sovine.

“As the new executive director for the BISFA Foundation, I am so excited to have such a great group of dedicated and supportive board members,” said Ally Sirbaugh. “I appreciate their enthusiasm and passion for the arts and specifically for the Barbara Ingram School.”

About Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
Founded in 2008, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation advances exceptional arts’ education by providing resources and funding that support the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts public high school in Hagerstown, Maryland. Funds are provided for programs, such as master classes, artists in residency, student field trips and state-of-the-art instructional materials and technology. To learn more, call the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation at (240) 347-4934, or visit www.barbaraingramfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Steven O’Farrell
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Board President
240-347-4934

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Announces New Executive Director

HAGERSTOWN, Maryland, August 14, 2023—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation announces Ally Sirbaugh as its new executive director. In this role, she will lead the Foundation board, staff and volunteers in fundraising, building donor relationships, strategic planning and collaborating with the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts High School.

Prior to joining Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation, Ally served as the marketing director for three years at Sterling Financial Management, where she helped increase their brand awareness and build stronger communications with their clients through ten yearly educational seminars and events, social media posts, quarterly newsletters, website updates and various e-mail campaigns. Ally also coordinated all compliance pieces and sponsorships with area nonprofits, including a “Vote for your Favorite Nonprofit” campaign. Before Sterling Financial Management, Ally worked at the Community Foundation of Washington County MD for almost seven years as their communications director. She managed their 24-hour giving day, Washington County Gives, for over 90 nonprofits; created their 100-page annual report, Impact; and produced advertising pieces, press releases and content for two web sites as well as their social media accounts. Ally has over 20 years of experience in communications, marketing and project management.

Ally graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, majoring in advertising.

“Ally is an exceptional working professional with deep ties to the school, as well as the greater philanthropic and arts’ communities. Her passion for education and the arts is the perfect fit, and we are fortunate to have her as our new executive director,” said Steven O’Farrell, president of the board of directors of the BISFA Foundation.

About Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation
Founded in 2008, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation advances exceptional arts’ education by providing resources and funding that support the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts public high school in Hagerstown, Maryland. Funds are provided for programs, such as master classes, artists in residency, student field trips and state-of-the-art instructional materials and technology. To learn more, call the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation at (240) 347-4934, or visit www.barbaraingramfoundation.org.

###

The BISFA Foundation and Board of Directors would like to take a moment and say THANK YOU for your support during the 11th annual #WashingtonCountyGives on Tuesday May 9, 2023.

With your support we placed 23rd overall and raised over $5,000 with help from 47 Donors.

We also received $10,125 in additional donations that came directly to the office.

We were excited to find our that we won the $500.00 AC&T Night Owl Prize for the most donations between the hours of 1:00 am to 2:00 am.

Without your support this would not have been possible. We are grateful to be in such a supportive community that helps us to fulfill our mission. THANK YOU!

If you would like to make additional donations or see your donation dollars at work please visit https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/ or call us at 240-347-4934.

The Intrumental Music Department at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is holding The Edmund McIlhenny Tabasco Chili Cook Off and Music Festival May 20, 2023. The festival will feature a chili cook off, a beer garden and food concessions, a children’s area, music, and vendor tents. There will be performances by Club Medics, the BISFA Jazz and Commercial Music band, members of the Reagan Years, a DJ and more. The proceeds of the event support the Instrumental Music Department and its students throughout the year. Edmund McIlhenny was founder founder of McIlhenny Company, the company that produces TABASCO® Brand Pepper Sauce, and was born in Hagerstown at the corner of West Washington St. and North Potomac Ave.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edmund-mcilhenny-chili-cook-off-and-music-festival-tickets-597967866987?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

We are excited to be participating in our 11th year with Washington County Gives! 

Community Members can support the Barbara Ingram students by donating to the BISFA Foundation.

In turn we support the students by providing:

• Student Grants for art supplies, costumes, music materials, creative writing journals, etc.
• Faculty Enrichment Grants for Master Classes, Department tools and equipment
• Achievement Grants for students who have achieved state, regional recognition based on auditions, portfolio reviews, and academic achievements
• A variety of volunteer opportunities for students to share their stories and talents as a Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Student
• An enriching Summer Arts Academy for Washington County and surrounding area students in grades 2 through 12

To date, with your help, the Foundation has raised over two million dollars to support the school, staff, and individual students.

Your support over the last 11 years has meant so much to enhance arts education in our school and our community.

The past three years have been a challenge for everyone, and we are humbled to be surrounded by Donors like you that come together to support the future of our community.

Thank you for supporting the BISFA Foundation!

The Foundation would like to recognize our 2022-2023 Supporting the Arts Sponsors!  Thank you for supporting Arts Education at BISFA and in Washington County.

For additional information or to become a Sponsor for the 2023-2024 school year please visit  BISFA Supporting the Arts

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION