Karl Sellner Memorial Benefit 2022

Please join us for what is sure to be a great evening of music, food, raffles, games, and friendship in remembrance of former Hope Academy student, Karl Sellner. All proceeds from the event will go to a scholarship at Hope Academy.

This fund honors his memory and ensures that his love of music will live on through the beautiful voices, playing of various instruments, dance and acting of children for many years to come.

If you are unable to make it to the event, but would like to make a donation to Hope Academy’s Scholarship Fund (select the Karl Sellner Memorial option) or donate an item for the auction, click the button below.

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ABOUT KARL SELLNER

From an early age, Karl Jacob Sellner was simply captivated by his grandfather John Alden’s music, foreshadowing his life-long love of the performing arts. This passion was nurtured by his family and by his many experiences as a student of Hope Academy. As a teen and young adult, Karl became an accomplished guitar player and lyricist. As with his love of music, Karl found the other things he cared about early in life, including his wife Shelby, and his calling to join the US Army to serve, like his grandfather had during WWII. Like so many gifted musicians before him, Karl’s light was also shadowed by bi-polar disorder. On, September 11, 2016, Karl’s pain was too much and he ended his life. The support of the Hope Academy community was treasured by his parents and 6 siblings during this time of grief, and together, they channeled this sadness into the Karl Jacob Sellner Memorial Fund for Hope Academy. This fund honors his memory and ensures that his love of music will live on through the beautiful voices, playing of various instruments, dance and acting of children for many years to come.

ABOUT HOPE ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS

Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, an outreach program of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, offers a safe place where young people of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious and linguistic backgrounds can further their personal and artistic growth through the study and performance of theater, dance and music. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive artistic community that provides deep arts instruction through a sequential and progressive program; that supports the personal and artistic growth of students and teaching artists, alike; and contributes to our community’s positive growth and cultural vibrancy. Over 350 young people and their families participate in Hope Academy’s programs throughout the year.