The Bellevue Arts Museum set yet another record July 21, raising more than $1 million at its annual fundraising gala, Artful Evening.
“This is more than a 45 percent increase over last year and almost double what we raised two years ago,” said Managing Director Larry Wright. “We’re immensely grateful for the community’s support.”
Over the years, BAM has exponentially increased support through its annual fundraiser. In 2006, just a year after BAM expanded its mission to include craft and design, the event (then called Patron Party) raised less than $80,000. In 2011 more than $685,000 was raised, a then all-time record.
“Seeing the strong commitment of our community is an inspiration to all of us at BAM,” said Stefano Catalani, Director of Curatorial Affairs/Artistic Director and co-leader of the Museum.
Prior to Artful Evening, BAM announced an unprecedented challenge match during the Raise-the-Paddle portion of the evening. The Leonard and Norma Klorfine Foundation pledged to double all donations received by July 27 with no upper limit and regardless of whether or not people attended the event.
A matching amount of $100,000 total also was provided by long-term art supporters Jane and David Davis, Kemper and Betty Freeman, Artful Evening Honorary Co-Chairs Susan and Lonnie Edelheit and Honorees Joyce and John Price. The result was $534,000 in direct contributions to BAM, the highest amount to date, with new donations still coming in.
“We continue to gain momentum,” said Anne Kilcup, president of the Board of Trustees. “BAM is becoming known for its unique exhibitions and programs, not just regionally but all over the U.S. and even abroad. We cannot thank our community enough for their participation, enthusiasm and support.”
The sold-out event kicked off with a Curator Tour of the auction art led by Catalani and Curator Nora Atkinson. At the following champagne reception guests had the opportunity to bid on over 100 art objects, many of which were donated by this year’s talented BAM ARTSfair artists.
The festivities continued at The Westin Bellevue with a dinner, program and live auction featuring works and experiences by celebrated artists such as Dale Chihuly, Etsuko Ichikawa, Sabrina Knowles and Jenny Pohlman, Lino Tagliapietra, Cappy Thompson and Dick Weiss and many more.
Nationally recognized auctioneer Kip Toner officiated the auction. Guests included a mix of arts patrons, business and community leaders from both the Eastside and Seattle, including Frank and Charlene Blethen, Gary and Wendy Kaplan, Becky Benaroya, Sherry and Larry Benaroya and family, and Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee and wife, Winnie, among others.
Sponsors for Artful Evening were Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP and GLY Construction. Additional corporate support was provided by Barrier Motors, The Boeing Company, JPMorgan, U.S. Bank and U.S. Trust.
