For almost three-quarters of a century, the Peninsula Arts Association (PAA) has been a nurturing economic force within the Door Community, working hand-in-hand with matched funding from the Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) to provide grants to local artists and art organizations.
But earlier this year, Governor Walker’s budget plan cut state funding for the arts by 73% and eliminated the WAB as a state agency.
pAt macdonald and melaniejane AKA “Purgatory Hill”
“It’s been the PAA’s mission over the past 74 years to grant financial support dollars to individual artists and local institutions,” says Peninsula Arts Association (PAA) Board member and musician Pete Thelen. “And with greater community support we can continue despite the changes in our funding resources.”
Each year, raising the matching funds to bring a flow of cash into Door County is a new and greater challenge, especially in the wake of recent budget cuts. While board members work to meet these demands, their volunteer time is also spent on reviewing hundreds of grant applications and attending numerous lengthy meetings in order to come to consensus over their twice-yearly funding disbursements.
Last year, three local individuals put together the first of what is now an annual, fall, post-season, fundraising event in support of the PAA. On Wednesday, November 9, from 5 pm ‘til close, you are invited to enjoy an evening of great food, silent auction fun and live music in Fish Creek at The English Inn for the 2nd Annual PAA Artfund Benefit, sponsored by the publishers of DoorCountyChefs.com, DoorCountyGuide.co, DoorCountyLodging.com and DoorCountyResorts.com.
A live concert beginning at 6 pm will feature performances contributed in-kind by local musicians leading off with the Mighty Mouth Trio comprised of Jay Whitney, Richard Whitney and Pete Thelen. Next, Ben There, Dan That will take the stage followed by Jeanne Kuhns with Lost Mothra. Capping off the evening, pAt macdonald and melaniejane AKA “Purgatory Hill” will certainly fill the dance floor.
Guests are invited to enjoy a buffet dinner, bid on a variety of silent auction items, win raffle items and a grand prize provided by local businesses.
“Raising money for the Grandmother of the Arts in Door County is something we are always enthusiastic about,” says Management Resources owner and promoter Jon Massad. “The arts in Door County are a vital community asset – one that fuels the rest of the tourism industry. Now, the PAA needs a return on their investment, having worked so hard for the Door Community over the years. It’s time we give back with a helping hand.”
Tickets for an evening of fine dining and live music at The English Inn are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Businesses wishing to contribute items to the silent auction are encouraged to call 920.785.3515 or 920.854.2688. You may also call those numbers or email a request for tickets in advance to: tickets@doorcountylodging.com.
