A Lifelong Love of the Arts
The Contemporaries gala raising funds for youth programs
By BRANDY CRUZ | Courtesy photos
The Contemporaries’ ongoing dedication to the arts is paving the way for a brighter artistic future for generations. The organization will host its annual gala on Saturday, March 9, at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple, a fundraiser initiative to raise money for the Cultural Activities Center, specifically for children’s programs that will stimulate a lifelong interest in the arts.
“I had the opportunity to be involved in theater, music and dance as a young girl growing up in Kansas, and had the luxury of attending smaller schools where you could be in everything you wanted to,” said Cheryl Hinckley, public relations chairman of The Contemporaries.
“Because of my personal exposure and involvement in the performing and visual arts, I want as many children as possible to have that same magical feel when they walk onto a stage, learn a new dance, paint or draw something they can take home with them, or enjoy going to a museum and getting the thrill of seeing what people can express in a painting.”
With its Hands-On Program, The Contemporaries have provided Bell County students with an immersible experience that helps them dive deep and truly experience a topic or culture through the arts. The 2023 Hands-On Program allowed students to take a virtual journey through time to ancient Egypt. The students learned about art, engineering, lifestyle and the accomplishments of the ancient Egyptians, which helped influence other civilizations. The theme for the 2024 Hands-On Program will be announced in May.
“Being a part of a group dedicated to bringing eye-opening opportunities and experiences for young children in the performing and visual arts is rewarding,” Hinckley said.
For more than 53 years, The Contemporaries have helped raised money for the CAC through various activities. After decades of fundraisers, the stars have aligned to celebrate the Lone Star state with “Under the Texas Sky,” a theme to pay homage to the iconic Texas skyline, reflecting the expansive vision that has fueled the event’s success throughout the years. Last year’s gala raised more than $160,000. Since 1975, fundraisers hosted by The Contemporaries have amassed more than $2,650,000 for children’s programs.
This year’s event will include a silent auction, with bidding starting online at silentauctionpro.com. There will also be a live auction featuring celebrity auctioneers Ricky and Bubba Smith from A&E television’s Storage Wars: Texas. Following a homestyle dinner, live music will be provided by award-winning country music stars Doug Stone and the native-Texan Terry McBride.
The Contemporaries Gala is a celebration of the countless lives these fundraisers have touched, the community they have strengthened and the enduring commitment to create a brighter future for all under the vast and boundless Texas sky.
“Gussie up in your favorite country best and plan on helping us raise needed funds for our Temple Cultural Activities Center. You will support the CAC and programs and projects for thousands of children,” said Vicki Jane Mills, co-chair of the gala. “You will have a great time and feel good deep down in your soul, knowing you’ve done good. We would love to have y’all!”
