2018 marks the Foundation’s second year of supporting the performing arts and our first semi-formal fundraiser-the Red Tie Gala. As our major fundraiser, the gala is not only a way for the Foundation to further spread our mission, it also presents a chance for us to interact with our most ardent supporters.
In 2012, we heard numerous stories of Chris helping people to find faith, bringing a smile to their face when they were having a rough go at it, or brightening someone’s day through music. While listening to these stories, and bearing witness to all the lives Chris had touched, we came up with a saying that we have since used to describe his life. “For God, For Country, For Music”. Those three ideals truly describe how he lived his life.
The Red Tie Gala allows the Foundation to spread the Chris Patterson Performing Arts award to more local area high schools “For Music’ though the support of our donors and sponsors. In 2017 we were able to present our first Performing Arts Award to Abby Risner at West Aurora High School. As a result of the overwhelming support we received, this year we will be presenting an award at both West Aurora High School and Batavia High School. We hope to be able to add another two schools in 2019 as well as explore other ways in which we can honor Chris’ legacy by supporting the arts.
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