Provided by Hylton Performing Arts Center
The Hylton Performing Arts Center presented an evening of festivities for its 13th Anniversary Gala on April 28. The event welcomed more than 250 and supported the Hylton Center’s mission of presenting diverse performances and programs of high quality and artistic excellence to inspire, educate, and enrich the community.
In addition to honoring Carlos Castro and the Jacquemin Family Foundation, the event raised more than $200,000 which will support performances and programs at the Hylton Center, including the Education Initiative and Veterans and the Arts Initiative. Ten percent of the net proceeds will also fund the Hylton Center’s Endowment, ensuring excellence now and in the years to come.
From the Executive Director
During the event, Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and Hylton Center Executive Director Rick Davis said, “We have been so proud to have another banner year of performances—our first fully back in person season since the onset of the pandemic—including an outstanding variety of works from our local Arts Partners, meaningful workshops and programs from our Veterans and the Arts Initiative and Education Initiative, student performances by Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, and so much more.”
He continued, “And tonight, we gather in the place where so many of these wonderful experiences happened—the creative space that is a direct result of your dedication, your generosity, your love for this community. I am grateful to be in the company of those who understand the importance of the arts in shaping future generations.”
Top left: Compton & Duling Managing Partner Jason Hickman, Senator Jeremy McPike, and Hylton Executive Board Chair Sheyna Burt. Top right: Dr. Michael Nickens (Doc Nix) and George Mason University President Gregory Washington. Bottom left: Honorees John Jacquemin and Tracie Jacquemin with guests of The Jacquemin Family Foundation. Bottom right: Executive Director Rick Davis and Honoree Carlos Castro. Images by Melisa Pasero Photography.
Festivities
The Hylton Center’s 13th Anniversary Gala festivities began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28 and included an elegant cocktail reception in the Didlake Grand Foyer, special dinner on the Merchant Hall stage, an honoree tribute, Raise Your Paddle fundraiser, and a live auction featuring a chance to win The Green Machine Experience package. The evening included performances by The Green Machine’s own Dirty Gold Brass Band and Green and Gold Soul, as well as a special performance by vocalist and George Mason University Director of Jazz Studies Darden Purcell, accompanied by her faculty colleague, pianist Wade Beach.
The Hylton Center’s 13th Anniversary Gala was supported by many regional businesses and individual donors, including Presenting Sponsor Compton & Duling, L.C. Catering was provided by Susan Gage Caterers, with signature cocktails by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits.
