YASD News & Events

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Hilliard Harper has nominated our own VP Board Member, Pam Brown, Volunteer of the Year!

For the past 17 years, San Diego's Performing Arts League hosts the Star Awards event – honoring over 40 of the 20,000 arts volunteers that work tirelessly behind the scenes for San Diego County's arts and cultural organizations. The event was held on November 3, 2008 at the Balboa Theatre, Horton Plaza – that not only awarded the 40+ honorees, but put on special performances by local talent.

“Young Audiences salutes Pam Brown as its Carol Alderson Smith Volunteer of the Year.* For over four years Pam has been an active member of Young Audiences Board of Trustees. She currently serves as First Vice President [a 2nd term]. As principal/designer of dezinegirl creative studio, Pam generously donates her design services each year for Young Audiences’ Summer Salsa annual fundraiser. For two years Pam served as Summer Salsa co-chair, and solely chaired this year’s record-breaking event. Pam also developed a new, more professional graphic design brand identity for Young Audiences’ print materials and website. In giving back to the community, Pam readily solicits friends and clients on behalf of Young Audiences’ arts education mission, skillfully blending her two remarkable passions.

Bravo Pam!”
                –Hilliard Harper, YASD Executive Director
 
 * The annual Volunteer of the Year is named in memory of Carol Alderson Smith who over many years of service illustrated the personification of the ideal volunteer. 

SUMMER SALSA 2008 - A HUGE SUCCESS!

Our 4th annual fundraiser, Summer Salsa was held on August 23, 2008 at the NTC Promenade Liberty Station.

The festivities began at 7pm with a live, 8-pc Salsa Band Trece de la Suerte, a big spread of Mexican Food caterered by Cupid's Catering and 6 tables of Silent Auction items! Salsa dance instruction led by A Time To Dance Studios soon followed with audience participation, from youngsters to brave elderlies, and from the experienced to beginners.

Throughout the night raffle drawings took place with very happy winners, one of which was the 50/50 raffle, and that winner donated his portion right back into the Silent Auction!

Our executive director, Hilliard Harper gave a moving 5-minute video presentation of what Young Audiences is about, with endearing images of children participating in the YA programs and a voice over describing the benefits of Arts in Education.

We also had performances by the children of Alma Latina Dancers to showcase how they were inspired by the programs Young Audiences provides and developed an interest to dance and perform.

Both of these presentations brought about awareness of YA plus opened the hearts and wallets of our guests!

Summer Salsa raised over $24,000 in sponsorships and event proceeds combined. A record-breaking amount in the 4 years of Summer Salsa!

Many many thanks to all those who helped make this special event a success!