Napa’s biggest cultural event funds arts education
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” said Margaret Mead. “It’s the only thing that ever has.”
As if guided by Mead’s maxim, over the past decade Festival Napa Valley patrons, partners and sponsors have raised more than $5 million toward the festival’s mission to make the arts accessible to all.
That support has enabled the festival to grant more than $850,000 to visual and performing arts programs in Napa County. It has funded more than 100 scholarships to emerging musicians and Napa Valley Youth Symphony students. It has paid for muchneeded classroom materials and resources for 30,000 public school students. It has provided over 25,000 tickets to local residents, veterans, seniors and low-income families. And it has led to the creation of Napa County’s firstever arts education master plan.
The event that makes all this possible is the annual Arts for All Gala, to be held this year at HALL St. Helena, under the watchful eye of Little Bunny Foo Foo and a waning three-quarter moon. Kathryn and Craig Hall’s majestic, art-filled estate at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains is the ideal venue for this evening of fine food from La Toque’s Ken Frank, awardwinning HALL and WALT wines, and spectacular entertainment. As a golden sunset dapples the surrounding vineyards, a special performance from the San Francisco “Hamilton” cast will be sure to garner rave reviews.
“Though all of our events are about great food, superb wines and fantastic performances — the Arts for All Gala has the added satisfaction of contributing to our community through the generosity of our sponsors, donors and bidders,” Gala Chair Athena Blackburn said. “Certainly the evening is awash with glamour and glitter, but it’s the heart of generosity here that really shines.”
The pulse-quickening live auction will feature a dozen luxury lots, inspiring paddles to fly high. This year’s lots include an audience with Elton John at his Oscarviewing soirée, a ski adventure via private jet to the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club and a stay in a private French chateau.
Knowing that they helped fund important initiatives, the lucky winners of the auction will win twice over. That the arts can change lives is indisputable. Arts for All is bringing the arts to more people in more ways. And its committed, thoughtful supporters truly are changing our world for the better.