3 minute read
Development
MOMIX featured at the 2019 Dance in the District Gala
BUILDING A LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY...
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Bolstered by the generous support of our donors, sponsors, and members, the Trust continued to move the arts forward by engaging new and growing audiences through expanded initiatives and programs.
BUILDING A LEGACY
2019 was a banner year for fundraising, as more than $15 million was committed for operations, special projects, capital needs, and endowment—exceeding key goals. Furthermore, the Trust continues to receive generous increased support for its many arts education programs from all major constituent groups. Also, this past year, the organization achieved a wonderful milestone—surpassing 15,000 annual members!
In celebration of the 60th Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival in 2019, the Trust, along with generous donations made by her family and friends, established the Barbara L. Widdoes Endowment Fund to bring roving artists to the footprint of the Festival. Barbara “Babs” Widdoes was part of the original group of young women who launched the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and her leadership and vision allowed the Festival to grow into what it is today. Ms. Widdoes had a special affi nity for roving performers, and in 2019, the endowment helped underwrite the Tut’Zanni Theatre Company’s street clowns, Beep and Bop.
MEMBER EVENTS
Through special member events, guests were able to engage with the arts in new and innovative ways, while supporting Trust programming and the ongoing development of the Cultural District:
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh – First Night Friends
Thousands of revelers fl ocked downtown to ring in 2020 at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh for the familyfriendly event priced at only $10 per admission button. Guests who upgraded to the First Night Friends package enjoyed priority seating at the numerous performances— from magic to comedy to acrobatics— that took place throughout the Cultural District. They also enjoyed reserved parking and access to the First Night Friends Lounge, sponsored by Citizens Bank, with appetizers, an over-the-top hot chocolate bar, and activities for the kids, including balloon sculptures and face-painting.
Footwork
Guests danced the night away under neon lights at this special postGallery Crawl dance party geared toward young professionals. Between snapping selfi es and twirling glow sticks, guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and music in the Peirce Studio in the Trust Arts Education Center. Footwork was sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
Dance in the District Gala
The extravagance and scale of the 2019 Gala required not one, but two venues: the Byham Theater and the neighboring Renaissance Hotel. Surpassing attendance and fundraising goals, the sumptuous evening, hosted by Gala Chairs Kim and Curt Fleming of the Tillotson family and Lead Sponsor Hefren-Tillotson, featured a special performanc e by internationally renowned dance company MOMIX and culminated in guests putting on their own dance show to tunes spun by DJ Azara.
Gala chairs celebrate with members of MOMIX
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Benedum Chandelier Open House
More than 500 members enjoyed an up-close look at the historic chandeliers in the Benedum Center as the theater staff took advantage of a few dark nights to lower them for cleaning. Trust staff were stationed throughout the theater to share interesting facts and answer guests’ questions.
Members of the Tillotson and Fleming families at the Dance in the District Gala
Cultured Cocktails
Locally acclaimed fl air mixologists and the hottest local bartenders mixed and stirred the evening away, crafting signature cocktails and mocktails for guests to enjoy. Cultured Cocktails was sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
