The Arkansas Arts Center celebrated its 25th Tabriz fundraiser May 6 with a New York theme, complete with a performance by members of the original cast of the Broadway run of Jersey Boys.
The group, now calling themselves The Minute Men, brought the well-heeled crowd to its feet with hit after hit, including "Can't Buy Me Love," "Happy Together," "California Dreamin'" and "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)." Dressed in classic black slacks and red tuxedo jackets, they spread their love of '60s music to every corner of the room.
Gross revenue for the two days of events brought in more than $800,000, which was the arts center's goal, said director of development Kelly Fleming.
The kickoff event May 4 was more casual and included an auction of more than 500 items and drew about 850 people. The Saturday night event had a sold-out crowd of 330 people. Both events were held at the arts center with only a day to transform the spaces in between parties.
A live auction conducted by Craig O'Neill on black-tie night brought in roughly $133,500. Africa House Safaris and Poe Travel donated an 11-day trek around Kenya with luxury lodging that sold for $23,500. Dr. Brooks Gibson-Wolfe, widow of longtime Arkansas Arts Center executive director and curator Townsend Wolfe, donated an original oil painting by her husband that sold for $16,000. He was with the arts center from 1968-2002.
Money raised goes toward art acquisitions and educational programs for the Arkansas Arts Center.
-- Story and photos by
Cyd King
High Profile on 05/14/2017