Groundswell of Support Grows at Cain Center for the Arts!
Individuals and Organizations working together to bring new arts and community center to the region.
May 10, 2019 – Cornelius, North Carolina.
submitted by Alison Ellrod, Director of Development
Support for the Lake Norman region’s new home for the arts continues to grow, as local residents and organizations from throughout the region work in partnership to support both programing and the campaign that will make the future hub for culture, community, and the arts a reality.
On Friday, May 3rd, about 200 patrons attended a Founders’ Ball at the Peninsula Yacht Club, a first of its kind event to celebrate donors who are contributing a foundation of support for the center’s campaign. The event, which featured food and entertainment in four acts, included live visual artists, performance by talented young singers from across the region, and newly released video stories that showcase the four pillars of the center’s mission: Inspiration, Education, Community, and Entertainment.
The event raised more than $660,000 dollars in a single evening, with 25 new Founders joining the growing list of individuals lending their leadership and foundational support to the project. “Our team is more confident than ever because of the incredible outpouring of support for Cain Center from community leaders and the community at large,” said Greg Wessling, President and Board Chair.
On Monday, May 5th, two regional organizations took leadership roles in helping to ensure that the center’s Arts Education Programs will continue to enrich the community in the 2019 – 2020 season. North Mecklenburg Rotary Club’s Annual Golf Tournament, which took place at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville, is projected to raise more than $10,000 to support the center’s education programs.
Likewise, the generous Realtors who make up the Davidson, Lake Norman, and Huntersville offices of Allen Tate Realtors contributed nearly $8,000 to support arts education for the second year in a row. “We chose Cain Center for the Arts to receive this grant through our Tate Cares initiative because we believe in arts education and we trust the Cain Center to make it happen in the Lake Norman region,” said Tracey Stehle, Allen Tate Huntersville Branch Leader.
North Mecklenburg Womans Club has a long history of supporting the organizations that help the region thrive, and on Tuesday, May 6th, Cain Center for the Arts joined the ranks of partner organizations that help the club carry out its mission. The club awarded Cain Center for the Arts $5,000 and collectively became the newest member of the Cain Center for the Arts Founders’ Society.
“We’re very excited about the continued momentum and support for this important initiative,” says Justin Dionne, Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the individuals and organizations whose early leadership will inspire even more support from across the region.”
This successful seven days brings Cain Center for the Arts more than halfway to its goal of $25M. We welcome new Founders’ Society Members who want to become a permanent part of the history of the Lake Norman region. Secure gifts and pledges can be made at cainarts.org or by contacting Cain Center for the Arts at 980-689-3101.
For more information about Cain Center for the Arts: cainarts.org. Questions and interview requests: Anita Overcash: aovercash@cainarts.org
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About Cain Center for the Arts: Established as a 501(c)3 in 2017, Cain Center for the Arts will be a home for creativity, learning, entertainment and community for the Lake Norman region. When completed, the center will include a 400-seat theater, gallery space, an outdoor venue, and classrooms. In addition to providing a home for national and regional shows and performances, it will also be a venue for community, private, and civic events. A $4M bond project for redeveloping the arts district in historic downtown Cornelius, combined with a foundational gift of $5M from local philanthropists Bill and Ericka Cain has put the center well on its way to a $25M goal toward construction.
READ MORE COVERAGE ON THE CAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS:
Read More of OTC’s related coverage:
May 2018 – Concept Renderings and Model Revealed at Cornelius Art Center Conversation
Oct 2017 – Acclaimed Architect Firms Will Design Cornelius Arts Center
Oct 2016 – With Town Board Support, Arts and Community Center Plans Move Forward
Old Town Cornelius
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