“Viva Arts! 2008” raises $27,000 for scholarships
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Shadelands Art Center was filled with excited partygoers there in support of the “Viva Arts” scholarship fund raiser. The Friends of Civic Arts Education Foundation hosted this event to raise scholarship funds for children and seniors who otherwise would be unable to access the programs and classes of Civic Arts Education. Council members, Arts Commissioners and City staff mingled with enthusiastic guests, all enjoying the wonderful offerings of 21 local caterers and restaurants.
Each year many financially struggling families apply for scholarships so their children can enjoy Civic Arts Education music lessons, classes and programs. Last year the Friends of Civic Arts Education Foundation provided 54 scholarships to local children and some of the visual art, dance, music and drama recipients performed for the appreciative crowd. These student take music lessons, enjoy dance and art classes, participate in intensive year-long training programs like Junior Theater or spend 5-weeks at the Arts, Adventures, Academics summer camp. This year with the economic downturn, about 25% more families have applied for financial assistance.
There was competitive bidding on more than 170 auction items, generously provided by local merchants, businesses and Bay Area performance and sports groups, as well as beautiful works of arts donated by the city’s Arts Education students, instructors and other local artists.
This annual event also featured the first live auction in the Foundation’s 3-year history and had a new twist with a few of the donations presented for on-line bidding. Held the last Saturday in September each year, this Viva Arts event and generous support from Dutch Girl Cleaners in Walnut Creek provide the major sources for scholarship support.
Save the date for 2009...
Saturday, September 26
...we hope to see you there!
