Legendary Hollywood Actor Pepe Serna hosts 15th Annual RITZ!

The RITZ Gala returns to light up the stage once again with more than a dozen performances from talented Rialto Unified School students on February 11! The Inland Empire’s largest and most spectacular student-centered K-12 gala fundraiser is back for the first time since 2019. 

Rialto Unified School District’s annual gala will be held for the first time ever at the state-of-the-art Eisenhower High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1321 N Lilac Ave. in Rialto, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. During intermission hosted appetizers will be served by the District’s Culinary Arts students. Doors opened at 5:30 p.m. on February 11, 2023, at Ike. Tax-deductible tickets to the extravagant event are $30 each and available for purchase at ritz.rialtousd.org 

Veteran actor and motivational speaker Pepe Serna will serve as the evening’s emcee. Serna’s acting career has spanned more than five decades and includes notable appearances in movies such as “American Me”, “Scarface,” and “The Jerk.” He has appeared in more than 100 feature films and 300 television shows. He is also an artist whose vivid paintings take inspiration from his family, his Mexican-American heritage, and his worldwide travels. The 2022 documentary “Pepe Serna: Life is Art,” highlights his groundbreaking work in film and how he helped pave the way for other Latino actors. He is a fierce supporter of the arts and an educational advocate. He has served as a motivational speaker who tours colleges and universities. 

The RITZ, previously known as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” is now called Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone to highlight the students who shine during the program. It has dazzled audiences for 15 years. The event features performances from elementary, middle and high school students across the RUSD, and also includes popular Ritzy Silent Auction Baskets, which directly raise funds to support students. Through ticket sales, auction baskets and sponsorships the RITZ has raised more than $500,000 over the years.

This year’s event features 18 student acts, which include singers, dancers, theatrical performances, a skit, a pianist, and a gymnast, to name a few. 

The Ritzy Silent Auction baskets, along with ticket sales contribute to the District’s Sharing Our Love Foundation.

“The Ritz has always belonged to anyone who shows kindness to students, through donation, attendance, and the generosity displayed towards our talented RUSD student performers,” stated Syeda Jafri, Communication/Media Services Agent and Chairperson for the Ritz. “The Ritz Gala Committee works tirelessly for the success of this majestic event and is extremely grateful that Mr. Pepe Serna, one of the hardest working and amazing veteran character actors in Hollywood but also a child advocate who cares about the education and well-being of students, will be this year’s emcee at The Ritz. Excitement is buzzing and we hope to see many of you at The Ritz.

The show is near capacity with 500 chairs in the Eisenhower High School Performing Arts Center.