With fanfare, Creative Flagstaff Board Member, Jamey Hasapis, introduced the proposed Digital Resource & Education Center at this year’s Viola Awards as part of the evening’s paddle raise. A historic $21,000 was raised from 80 donors. Thank you to everyone that supported this important project.

The paddle raise kicked off the public fundraising period for the Education Center which received a $100,000 lead gift from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation. An additional $40,000 is needed to support the Center’s construction, initial staffing, and cohort of participating nonprofits. To learn more about contributing to the development of the Center, click here.

Jamey introduced the project to the crowd following the introduction of Creative Flagstaff’s new name and strategic plan. His pitch talked about the Digital Resource and Education Center and the necessary improvements needed at the Coconino Center for the Arts. It emphasized the importance of establishing this program for our creative community.

Paddle raises were introduced at the Viola Awards in 2019. The first year, we raised $8,500 for Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest and the second year $11,000 was raised for the Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity Fund will play an important part in accessibility of Education Center programs. The $21,000 raised during this year’s event demonstrates incredible enthusiasm enhancing digital literacy and digital programming in Flagstaff’s cultural sector.