18th Annual Spring for the Arts Raises Record-Breaking $800,000+ for Arts Education

The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) held its 18th annual Spring for the Arts on Friday, April 21 at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club. The organization’s signature fundraiser raised a record-breaking $805,449 in support of arts education for children and youth in Northeast Florida.

Since its inception, Spring for the Arts has generated nearly $8 million for arts education in the greater Jacksonville area. It is a fundraiser that celebrates community engagement in support of funding arts education initiatives throughout the region.

“We are overwhelmed by the astounding generosity of so many throughout the First Coast, especially as we celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary,” said Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt, CAP President & CEO. “It goes to show that CAP’s dream for every child to have access to an arts-rich education is a dream shared by many.”

CAP President & CEO, Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt along with Guardian of the Arts honorees Amy & Gary Norcross

At the event, CAP honored Amy and Gary Norcross with the 2023 Guardian of the Arts Award. The Norcrosses have been loyal supporters of CAP for many years and have made a tremendous impact in the Jacksonville community, with a specific focus on expanding education to people in underserved communities.

Spring for the Arts Event Chairs Kristine Cherek (CAP Board Chair) and Kirk Larsen spoke of the importance of arts education and the need for increased funding support. CAP board member and Florida Blue North Florida Market President Darnell Smith was the emcee for the evening. He enthusiastically led the live auction which brought in more than $60,000 and encouraged attendees to donate $231,500 through the Ignite A Dream paddle raise.

Students from the CAP String Orchestra Electric Ensemble, funded by the Kids Hope Alliance, performed as guests arrived. CAP student Eliora shared at the event the transformative impact CAP has had on her life. She started with the CAP chorus program while in 3rd grade at Jacksonville Heights Elementary and is now in visual arts at Springfield Middle School.

CAP student Eliora speaks to the crowd about the importance of the arts in her life

“When you hear the words curiosity, insight, spirit, opportunity and perseverance, what comes to mind? Those were names given to each of the Mars rovers, which have completed unimaginable tasks,” said Eliora. “Like the Mars rovers, I may be presented with great challenges in the future. I may be an astronaut, or a doctor, or a CEO. I don’t know. But I do know this—I am a better student because of the arts and CAP.”

The 18th Annual Spring for the Arts would not have been possible without the generous support of Honorary Chairs Stephanie and Tim Cost; Event Chairs Kristine Cherek and Kirk Larsen; the 90+ sponsors who made the event possible; as well as The AutoValet, Bold City Classics, Harlow James Floral, Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club and numerous board members and volunteers for helping execute another successful event.

The 19th Annual Spring for the Arts will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024.

View more images from the event on Flickr and Facebook.