The $15,000 damage bill for the main waterline break at the DiFiore Center for Arts and Education initially caused grief and concern about possible closure of the downtown organization. However, the month since the waterline break has given reason for hope, belief, and renewed vigor. Donations have come in, and people have also offered assistance through time and talents. The community has come together. On Saturday, Aug. 8, all of these efforts combined for a DiFiore Center fundraiser that won’t soon be forgotten.
After not playing together for almost 15 years, the Utah Jazz Quintet reunited to bring a wonderful evening under the stars to raise much needed funds for the DiFiore Center. A VIP party with more than 60 guests allowed attendees an opportunity for a meet and greet with the musicians. Cedar City’s IG Winery hosted the meet and greet, with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres as people mingled.
Following the VIP party, the garden opened to a beautiful setting for a spectacular evening under the star-filled sky. Approximately 150 people attended the DiFiore Center fundraiser and were treated to amazing jazz music performed by world-class musicians.
Judging by the Utah Jazz Quintet performance, no one would’ve guessed it had been so long since they were together under one banner. The reunion brought a magical musical experience. It felt as if the DiFiore Center fundraiser was just another stop on the quintet’s tour. They gelled harmoniously. Mami Hope Dalton, Scott Dalton, Carlyle Potter, Sam Payne, and Shawn Owens performed with ease, delivering a masterful performance.
Ticket sales, donations, and the art auction accounted for a significant dent in the remaining fundraising needs. The executive director of the DiFiore Center, Ernie Doose, said that while they are still calculating the final tallies, it would appear they netted nearly $3,500 toward the $6,000 they still needed previous to the event.
“It was a wonderful evening,” Doose said. “We are very pleased with the turnout, the event, and the fundraising.”
Cindy Still, the secretary of the board of directors for the DiFiore Center, agreed.
“This was a gorgeous evening, and we are so thankful for how the community has responded,” Still said. “We are so blessed.”
What once felt like an insurmountable hurdle has proven to be a blessing in disguise. Thanks in part to the DiFiore Center fundraiser on Saturday, the doors remain open, and the community is falling in love with the previously hidden treasure. More people are becoming aware of the DiFiore Center and the tremendous wealth of art offered to the community.
In further fundraising attempts, a few additional art pieces will be offered for sale at the upcoming Chris Proctor performance at the Center on Sept. 12. In addition, another DiFiore Center fundraiser is being put together for November. However, it is hoped the remaining $2000 for the repair bill will have been raised by that point so that the November event will allow for proceeds to directly benefit the DiFiore Center’s many offerings to the community.
As a hub for St. George community arts and events, the DiFiore Center is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit charitable organization located downtown St. George at 307 N. Main. More information can be found at their website www.difiorecenter.org, their fundraising page www.gofundme.com/z2fxhw or by calling them at (435) 673-4206.
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