Brevard College hosted their Day of Giving on Thursday, March 23, and the 2023 Fine Arts Gala on Saturday, March 25. Both events received abundant support from the BC community.
Both events occur annually and emphasize the individualized student opportunities at Brevard College, which are essential to the College’s mission. The community answered the calls to action, demonstrating strong support for the arts and for higher education in Transylvania County.
The Gala was held in the Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts and raised over $63,000 in support of current students majoring in Music, Theatre, and/or Art. The formal evening featured pop-up vocal performances and artist demonstrations from Fine Arts students, as well as multiple food stations and bourbon and moonshine tasting. Over 100 guests enjoyed a live Brevard College jazz ensemble, a silent auction, and a live auction to “Fund-A-Dream,” a program that supports students’ artistic journeys through equipment purchases, guest clinicians, performance tours, conference travel, and summer study.
“This year, patrons had a chance to interact with students while they created art in our performance spaces, and they heard from alumni how Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) funding helped them pursue their dreams,” remarked Kathye Gresham, Fine Arts Division Chair. “The evening was a wonderful affirmation of our mission and our bond with the greater community.”
Brevard College’s Day of Giving is also affectionately called “I Heart BC Day.” Each dollar raised on that day was matched, totalling over $90,000 in support of the Annual Fund. Two-hundred and fifteen individual donors participated, including over 50 College employees. People were also encouraged to wear branded gear and share why they love Brevard College on social media to help promote the campaign.
“The results from ‘I Heart BC Day’ exceeded our expectations,” said Pat Wagner, Vice President of Alumni Affairs & Development, “but knowing our alumni, community and friends, surpassing our goals should not have been a surprise. Gifts to the annual fund support every student at Brevard College and we are so grateful for the generous support we received.” The BC Annual Fund supports all students to guarantee a robust educational experience. A vast majority of BC students receive financial assistance and scholarships to make their educational journey more economical, and Brevard College is proud to offer half-tuition scholarships to new first-year and transfer students hailing from the region