Join The Center for the Arts as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary with Gin & Jazz, a Virtual Gala on Friday, September 18. Their annual gala is a benefit for the nonprofit performing arts organization and their biggest fundraiser of the year. The online auction supports the expansion of their arts education offerings, and the improvement of their broadcasting capabilities. Community partners have come together to donate auction items, and to help The Center provide VIP ticket buyers with dinner and gift bags which will be available for curbside pickup the day of the event. Anyone can attend with a pay-what-you-can community ticket to participate in the auctions, the virtual red carpet, and the zoom dance party featuring music from the ultimate dance band, Pop Rocks.
Gin & Jazz presents a unique opportunity to dress up, have fun, and support the arts. The online experience is sure to be different than the in-person galas of the past, but after having success with their recent Annual Meeting that took place via Zoom, the team at The Center is confident that guests will appreciate the community spirit and enjoy the interactive elements. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and join the simultaneous Zoom meeting for their chance to show off their red carpet looks, share their excitement during the live auction, and be featured in the online dance party during the Pop Rocks performance.
While they had hoped to host guests in their brand new state-of-the-art theater, they are pivoting with pride as they invite the entire community to experience the celebration online as they demonstrate the very broadcast capabilities they are developing. “It’s really a gift that as we celebrate 20 years, we are pushed to adopt new tools to keep us moving forward, stay true to our mission, and to honor our commitments. Even through a pandemic we are able to bring art, culture and education to our community. That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what we are both celebrating and working hard to keep alive.” Melissa Clark, Marketing Manager.
Their Youth Arts Education programs serve over 7,500 students annually, and now more than ever local youth need access to adapted creative learning experiences. However, without ticket sales from in-person events, it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain these important programs. Last year’s Cirque au Centre raised a record setting $136,000 for The Center and its cultural and educational programming. They’ve brought in Auctioneer Greg Quiroga to help them meet this year’s fundraising goals in hopes of securing another year of youth arts and community programming.
The Center for the Arts celebrates 20 years with their first-ever virtual gala. Friday, September 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. guests will enjoy the broadcasted musical performances by Le Jazz Hot and Pop Rocks and the online auction with Auctioneer Greg Quiroga. VIP tickets include dinner and a gift bag, donation-based community tickets are also available. Learn More
