First annual Donor & Volunteer Gala celebrates EAC's supporters
Eastport Arts Center (EAC) held its first annual Donor and Volunteer Gala on Wednesday, September 23, taking the opportunity to celebrate those who make the arts center's mission and programming successful. Those in attendance were recognized for the countless hours and dedication they provide on behalf of creating, supporting, developing, and expanding arts for all in the greater Washington County community.
The evening saw the downstairs ballroom (being Washington Street Gallery, with Leslie Bowman paintings on exhibit) further decorated by the Development Committee and included music by cellist Ellen Krajewski, refreshments prepared by the Board of Directors, and libations.
Executive Director Lura Jackson welcomed those present with an opening speech speaking to the importance of the arts in enabling us to express our most powerful emotions - something that is particularly needed during times of difficulty and uncertainty - and how what we do at the arts center provides a space to share that expression.
A short while later, EAC recognized its first Donor of the Year - Charles "Chick" Moore - with a plaque. Apart from serving on the EAC Board of Directors (BOD), Chick is responsible for establishing the Charles R. Moore Prize for Poetry contest and has helped the center to upgrade its equipment infrastructure and maintain its programming over the past five years.
BOD President Jude Kempe proceeded to recognize EAC's first Volunteers of the Year, starting with Marlene Russ. Russ has been an invaluable part of the EAC volunteer team owing to her willingness, reliability and professionalism in staffing the bar during Open Mic Nights, balls, and concerts. Russ was presented with a plaque and spoke briefly on how the EAC provided a welcoming environment that she was glad to be a part of.
A second and equally-invaluable volunteer, Jen Maffett, was then awarded with Volunteer of the Year with Jude emphasizing that Jen's all-around technical wizardry and problem-solving ability has made her a go-to for years. Most notably, Jen stepped in to save the foundering websites of the Eastport Gallery and the EAC and they've been holding up well ever since.
A final announcement revealed that both the Donors of the Year and the Volunteers of the Year will be recognized in the EAC entryway with perpetual plaques - with plenty of space for future donors and volunteers to be recognized moving forward.
The BOD, staff and program managers of the EAC wish to extend a special thank you to everyone who lends a hand or resources in support of EAC's mission. Didn't get your invite? Reach out to us at info@eastportartscenter.org and we'll make sure you're included next year.
