The Hylton Performing Arts Center celebrated its 14th year in style at the Anniversary Gala on April 27! In addition to honoring community leaders Sam and Lillian Hill and the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation, more than $157,000 was raised in support of Hylton Center performances and programs, including the Veterans and the Arts Initiative. 10% of net proceeds will also fund the Hylton Center’s Endowment, ensuring artistic excellence now and in the years to come.
Attendees were welcomed with a reception featuring live music by George Mason University music students, followed by an elegant dinner on the Merchant Hall stage. Guest speakers included Rick Davis, Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and Hylton Center executive director; Gregory Washington, president of George Mason University; Richmond Hill, provost of Northern Virginia Community College’s Woodbridge Campus; and Sam and Lillian Hill, one of the evening’s honorees. There was no shortage of touching tributes to our honorees, including Hylton Center Executive Board Chair Sheyna Burt taking to the lectern to speak about the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation’s outstanding support, as well as Delegate Briana Sewell and Senator Jeremy McPike, who presented the Hills with a commending resolution in honor of their service to the community.
The evening then turned to the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, which was spotlighted as the chosen cause for the evening’s “Raise Your Paddle” live fundraiser. George Mason University alumna and vocalist in the U.S. Army, Adiza Jibril, took to the stage to sing a moving rendition of Adam Guettel’s “Migratory V”, demonstrating the power of the connection between the arts and the military community. Following the performance, guests were ready to raise their paddles for this treasured program, raising more than $26,000 in support of the Initiative’s free programming for Veterans and the military community. The evening came to a close with an after-dinner dessert reception in the Didlake Grand Foyer.
The Hylton Center’s 14th Anniversary Gala was also made possible by the generous support of 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 and KO Distilling. Learn more about this special event.