When people visit Veterans Park to enjoy the Summer Arts Festival or the efforts by the Youth Arts Ambassadors, these are supported by Salute to the Arts, the Arts Council’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Although normally a gala event with dinner and live entertainment, organizers felt going online was the best choice in 2021.
“As a nonprofit, this is our number one fundraiser,” said Greg Rogers, president of the Arts Council’s executive committee. “We were fortunate to get this in last year. This year, we have more premier items we think people will like.”
Golf trips, vacations out of the area and close to home, wine, gift baskets and unique art works will be among the items. Rogers said there is an emphasis on local items, showing support for the community.
Detailed item descriptions and photos of auction items are available online at the Arts Council’s home page and Facebook sites. Auction registration is free at www.charityauction.bid/Salute2021.
There will also be a cash raffle for $1,000, sponsored by Merchants National Bank. Raffle tickets cost $20 apiece or three for $50 and are available online or from Arts Council board members.
Given the restrictions from the pandemic have limited what the Arts Council can present, it has still contributed online shows from the Ambassadors and sponsored a new live concert series, Downtown Sounds, this year. Leadership is still working on options to present the Summer Arts Festival.
“Our fingers are crossed,” said Rogers. “The Summer Arts Festival is the area’s number one entertainment attraction, the Ambassadors have done amazing work and Downtown Sounds has been successful. We hope the community will support us.”
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