On Thursday, July 17, the Friends of St. Avips presented a $129,000 donation to Spiva Center for the Arts, representing the proceeds from this year’s St. Avips Ball. The check presentation took place in Spiva’s galleries at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.
The idea of St. Avips is simple – 40 women volunteers put on a gala event each year to raise money for Spiva. The St. Avips Ball is one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing supporters from across the four-state area. Since the first ball in 1963, the event continues to raise significant funding each year, helping Spiva fulfill its mission to celebrate the creative experience and serve as a community catalyst—uniting culture, education, business, and the arts.
This year’s St. Avips Chair, Kelli Perigo, expresses her excitement. “I am incredibly grateful to the Friends of St. Avips Committee and our generous community for their unwavering support of the 63rd Annual St. Avips Ball. Their dedication helps ensure the continued success of Spiva Center for the Arts and strengthens our shared commitment to enriching the cultural life of our region. We are excited to share the successes of this year’s ball.”
“This incredible gift from the Friends of St. Avips speaks to the heart of what community support looks like,” said Heather Lesmeister, Spiva Executive Director. “Year after year, these women pour their time, creativity, and energy into making the ball a success—and their efforts make it possible for Spiva to offer transformative arts experiences to all ages. We are beyond grateful for their dedication and vision.”
This generous check presentation represents another year that the Friends of St. Avips remains a foundational support for Spiva Center for the Arts and its ability to present exceptional regional, national, and international exhibitions in its four galleries, as well as provide art education and outreach opportunities throughout the region.
