The Van Wezel Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, the Inspiration Gala, provides direct support for arts integration programs that serve tens of thousands of students, educators, and families each year. This year, we invite you to be inspired and make a direct impact by participating in our No Gala Campaign.

We are pleased to share the exciting news that the Van Wezel Foundation’s 2020 Inspiration Gala was voted BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT for the Herald Tribune’s Reader’s Choice awards. The awards were announced in today’s issue of the Sunday newspaper. It is an honor to receive the first-place spot– especially in

Lillian Huisking always loved the arts. Lillian spent her final years in a retirement community, taking the bus to Van Wezel shows. “The Van Wezel really improved the last 10 years of her life,” said Charlie Huisking, her son (pictured above with his mother).  “She loved live performances and fully

Thanks to the generosity of the Van Wezel Foundation Friends and donors, the Foundation partnered with the Van Wezel’s Education department to host a Zoom live talkback with author Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest participant in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. A musical adaptation of Lowery’s memoir,

The Van Wezel Foundation wants to help you recognize someone special in your life by sending them a valentine on your behalf. From now through Sunday, February 14th, you can make a donation to the Foundation in honor of that special someone, and the Foundation will send a valentine to

Thank you for your support of the Van Wezel Foundation. While health and wellbeing of our family and loved ones is our top priority, our office is open as a resource for donors considering making an impact and taking advantage of tax savings this year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA)

Now more than ever, students need our support to thrive in these uncertain times. Throughout the year, school districts, early learning centers and community partners have had to pivot to adapt to virtual and in-classroom learning in a COVID world. Through it all, arts education and integration programs from the

Philanthropists Vern and Liliana Chalfant are champions of the performing arts and arts education throughout our community. In addition, Vern serves as a board member of the Van Wezel Foundation, chairs the Foundation’s Finance Committee and sits on the Strategic Planning Committee. Their passion for the arts and making a

Challenge to engage new donors to fulfill the Foundation’s mission The Van Wezel Foundation kicks off its year-end giving season with a $50,000 challenge from philanthropists, Vern and Liliana Chalfant, who share a passion for arts education and integration to enhance learning. The Chalfant’s are also deeply committed to the

Educator curriculum to emphasize cultural diversity and inclusion through the arts The Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are pleased to announce a multifaceted arts-based approach to increase culturally relevant education and engagement for students, teachers and families. The initiative, which brings together school districts, community