Generosity was in the air on Saturday, June 24 during the Lubeznik Center for the Arts annual ArtBash. Over 280 people from all over the Region gathered at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa to help the Lubeznik Center further its mission of providing access to opportunities that widen people's appreciation and understanding of the arts.
The Lubeznik Center’s ArtBash is always hit, but this year went above and beyond all expectations. The theme of this year’s event was All You Need is Love. Everyone came decked out in their best 60s attire ready to groove and give back to the community.
“We have such creative board members. They wanted to do something fun that people could dress up for and have a good time and they nailed it,” said Janet Bloch, executive director of the Lubeznik Center.
For years, the Lubeznik Center has provided many free high-quality art programs and events for the community to help widen people’s understanding of art and ideas. There are currently over 2500 families living below the poverty line in La Porte County. Now more than ever it’s important for the Lubeznik Center to keep its programs as low-cost and accessible as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the power of art.
“The arts are so important to the vibrancy and spirit of a community, and they can greatly impact people’s health. I truly believe the arts can uplift a person and transform them and that’s why it’s my mission to reach out to all parts of the community and make sure they have access to great experiences,” said Bloch.
Events like the ArtBash help make the Lubeznik Center’s accessible opportunities possible. To meet its fundraising goal of $40,000, the Lubeznik Center held a silent auction as well as a live auction that got everyone in the giving spirit. What was special, though, was the paddle raise. All around the room people proudly raised their paddles to donate without a second's hesitation. Some people even donated multiple times.
Bloch was deeply touched by everyone’s eagerness to help the Lubeznik Center meet its goal.
“I appreciate everyone so much. I feel like people can’t even grasp how much I appreciate their support. It’s fantastic how many people can give to us so generously and I’m so grateful,” said Bloch.
Bloch also shared her gratitude for all of the Lubeznik Center’s sponsors, both new and old, for everything they’ve done for her team over the years. The night wouldn’t have been possible without them.
After the program, the night wrapped up the way every gala should: with laughter, smiles, and everyone boogying out on the dance floor. This year’s ArtBash was without a doubt successful in not only raising plenty of money but in uniting the community behind a common purpose. The Lubeznik Center for the Arts can’t wait to see what the future holds due to everyone’s generosity.
“It’s been such a great evening. We have such a great board and staff and I’m so excited about what they’re doing and where we’re headed. There are many things I want to accomplish to help make Lubezik an even more integral place in the community and I’m glad we were able to raise money to continue our mission,” said Bloch.
To learn more about the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, visit https://www.lubeznikcenter.org/.
