Youth arts foundation plans annual fundraiser
Proceeds provide free art, theater, music and dance classes to local youth
The Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, a nonprofit providing more than 40 free art, theater, music and dance classes per week to over 1,200 local children per year, announced this week that tickets are now available for its largest fundraiser event of the year, the 3rd annual Dining with the Arts Dinner & Auction on Oct. 25.
Themed “A Star is Born,” and featuring live entertainment and art showcased by students, the Dining with the Arts event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, a silent and live auction including the works of local artists: Dale Evers, Mindy Sisemore, Beau Sisemore, and a local celebrity-chef dinner catered by Chef Charles D. Paladin Wayne. The event will be held at the foundation’s headquarters from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a multi-course dinner served inside the decorated auditorium, located at 3201 Spring Street in downtown Paso Robles. Seating is limited to 120 guests.
PRYAF Board President Nancy Beckett says she has high hopes for this year’s event. “Founder Donna Berg had a vision many years ago of building a facility for children to experience the arts, at no cost. The PRYAF opened in 2001, and has been providing kids with complimentary, quality instruction in music, art, dance, visual arts and acting ever since. It’s an incredible dream come true. As a 501-C3, however, we heavily rely on community support to keep the shared dream going.”
Beckett says the organization aims to raise $40,000 or more at the fundraiser, an amount that would enable the non-profit to continue its robust class schedule and diverse arts curriculum for local aspiring youth artists. To that end, the Live Auction will offer a seven-night stay on the Sea of Cortez in a four-bedroom home, walking distance to Hotel Rancho Leonero; a sculpture by local artist Dale Evers Designs; handcrafted wine barrel furniture by Barrel Creations (artist Beau Sisemore); a Mario Andretti superspeedway racing experience; a wine blending session with Eric Orgosolka from Zenaida Winery; and more. Silent Auction items will include special art pieces made by PRYAF students; designer accessories; a “Beer Experience” basket from Firestone Walker Brewing Company; rustic furniture by Dave Conrad; and more.
“Supporting the PRYAF is an excellent way to invest in the future of the Paso Robles community at large,” Beckett says. “By exposing children to theater, painting, dance and other art forms, PRYAF provides a positive means for at-risk children to express themselves, gain self-esteem and learn to respect others, which in turn they carry into their adult lives and society. This program has endless positive repercussions.”
Tickets to Dining with the Arts Dinner & Auction are $80 per person or $600 for a table of eight; community members interested in attending are urged to purchase tickets early as seats are expected to sell out. Those unable to attend but interested in making a donation or sponsoring a child can send checks to the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation at P.O. Box 4699, Paso Robles, CA 93447 or to the street address 3201 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446. To donate to the silent or live auctions; purchase tickets to the fundraiser event; or find more information about PRYAF, call (805) 238-5825.
About The Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation
The Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation (PRYAF) exists to provide quality educational programs in the performing and visual arts for primarily low-income, at-risk youth within the community. Its mission is to promote self-reliance, enhance self-esteem and instill a sense of wholeness in local youth by providing a safe, accessible environment where they can experience the arts, thereby promoting cultural understanding and enhancing the community. PRYAF serves over 200 students 5-18 years of age in more than forty classes each week. They enroll more than 1,200 students annually.
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