Associates end year with supportive holiday party
The Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation (IAF) celebrated its 55th anniversary by hosting the annual Holiday Dinner Party Saturday evening, Dec. 16, at Nelson Dining Hall on campus.
The Associates have been supporting arts education and Idyllwild Arts since 1968. This event continued that tradition when Associates President Michael Slocum presented IAF President Pamela Jordan checks totaling $20,000. The gift is designated for the Idyllwild Arts Scholarship Fund supporting students of the Academy and Summer Program. The money was raised with membership dues, special events and sponsorships.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Eighty guests and members mingled enjoying the sounds of Rose Colella and her band while enjoying appetizers, beverages and desserts. This was the inaugural year of Wreaths for Charity, a collection of wreaths that were auctioned off in a silent and live auction. All wreaths were created and crafted by individuals, including students of Idyllwild Arts.
Before leading the live auction, Associate Board of Directors member Bruce Ross dedicated the event to Eileen Gallo-Ross and Dena Van Slyke, both late members of the Associates of IAF.
Slocum said, “This is a special way that anyone can support the Associates by creating and donating a unique wreath. With half the wreaths crafted by Idyllwild Arts students, our members and guests went home with an original piece of art created by a student. Some of the students creating a wreath know firsthand the importance of the scholarship fund. This exciting event will be repeated in fall 2024.”
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SLOCUM
A silent auction with uniquely crafted gift baskets and a Giving Tree rounded out the fundraising for the night. The Giving Tree had ornaments sponsored from $5 to $250. The tree and ornaments become an easy and affordable way to support the Associates.
The Associates of IAF were founded in January 1968 as a separate California 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. Membership begins at $100. For more information on the Associates and events, visit associatesofiaf.org, follow on Facebook, or call (951) 659-2171 x2333.
