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The 19th Annual Spring for the Arts Breaks Fundraising Record

CAP held its 19th annual Spring for the Arts on Friday, April 26 at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club. The organization’s signature fundraiser raised a record-breaking $820,579 in support of arts education and therapeutic programs for children and young adults in Northeast Florida.

Since its inception, Spring for the Arts has generated nearly $9 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.

“It is with immense gratitude from the entire CAP family that I say thank you to every attendee, sponsor and donor who made this year’s Spring for the Arts our most successful fundraiser yet,” said Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt, CAP President & CEO. “It is a testimony not only to the generosity of our community but also their commitment to providing all children along the First Coast access to quality arts education.”

Amy & Gary Norcross (left), Honorary Chairs with Karen & Greg Montana (right), Guardian of the Arts Award Recipients

The event was emceed by First Coast News anchor and CAP board member Anthony Austin, and speakers included Spring for the Arts Honorary Chairs Amy and Gary Norcross who spoke of the impact arts education makes on the lives of children, as well as Evan, a fourth-grade student at Central Riverside Elementary School who shared his experience in the CAP string program. Magen McRoberts of Boundless Impact Agency ran the live auction and encouraged attendees to donate more than $255,000 through the Ignite A Dream paddle raise.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned through CAP is that making your dreams come true takes a lot of determination, teamwork, self-discipline and effort,” said Evan, CAP’s student speaker. “I think we can all agree that life is what you make of it, and CAP makes life beautiful!”

CAP honored Karen and Gregory Montana with the 2024 Guardian of the Arts Award, a stunning ceramic artwork by local artist and Jacksonville University professor Tiffany Leach. The Montanas 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.

Evan, CAP string student, speaks to the crowd at Spring for the Arts

The 19th Annual Spring for the Arts would not have been possible without the generous support of Honorary Chairs Amy & Gary Norcross; Event Chairs Marisa & Frank Martire; Fidelity National Financial and the many sponsors who made the event possible; the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund; 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 20th Annual Spring for the Arts will be held on April 4, 2025.

View event photos on Facebook or Flickr.

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

Whether in an individual setting or as part of a group, arts education improves a child’s confidence. Music in particular helps provide children with improved classroom skills, including critical thinking, creative problem-solving, teamwork and effective communication. Visit our link in bio for program info✨ #theartsaddup #capkidsjax
Create with CAP! School starts next week and we're looking forward to programs beginning soon. Some courses are already open for enrollment, so visit our link in bio to see this year's available courses! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp 🎨🎶👯🎭
Children develop the technical skills to prepare for the future through instruction in the arts. Along the way, the arts develop their unique strengths – like self-confidence, self-respect, empathy, perseverance and creative thinking! 

Visit our link in bio for more information about our program offerings. 🎭👯🎵🎨#TheArtsAddUp #Artsed #capkidsjax
Did you know that artists, arts organizations and artistic activities in general, can play a valuable role in the development and long-term health and sustainability of our communities? 

According to research led by Americans for the Arts, communities with a vibrant cultural scene are more desirable to live in, have greater economic stability, and attract a more diverse and educated work force. For info about CAP's community impacts visit our link in bio. 🌟#TheArtsAddUp
Musical theatre isn’t just fun and games. As this #CAPkid explains, it’s ‘way more work and it’s way more important.’ Theatre education allows students to gain essential skills like creative thinking, perseverance, teamwork and self-discipline, building the confidence and character they need to excel. Just don’t forget to read your lines please, read your lines! 🎭🥰#theartsaddup #capkidsjax
Arts education creates tomorrow's leaders. It enhances the creative capacity of young people and empowers them to analyze, innovate, create and lead. For more information about our programs visit capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax @duvalcountyschools
Transforming lives through art: The Cathedral Arts Project is a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of arts education and therapeutic programs for children and young adults in Northeast Florida. Visit link in bio to learn more! #capkidsjax
Donors like you allow CAP to ensure all students in Northeast Florida have access to a quality arts education. 

Your gift will help support CAP's summer programs and prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. CAP staff and volunteers are gathering  supplies, ordering youth-size T-shirts and hiring exceptional teaching artists to ensure local students have everything they need to dance, sing, play and create from day one!

Will you join us in reimagining what’s possible for arts education? Donate today at our link in bio. 💜
Last chance to visit CAP’s Visual Arts Showcase at the Alexander Brest Gallery through June 4! It’s a truly spectacular exhibition of over 250 artworks created by CAP students throughout the year. Showcase is the ultimate finale and this exhibition aims to inspire a sense of pride and joy, instill a lifelong appreciation of the arts and celebrate every child’s creative spirit. Don’t miss it! #CAPkidsjax #theartsaddup
CAP’s Annual Visual Arts Showcase Reception this morning was a huge success! Congratulations to the student artists, their teaching artist fellows and teaching artists for the incredible display of creativity and inspiration! You have until June 4 to visit. Click here for more info capkids.org/visual-arts-showcase-2025/ 
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax 🎉🎨
It’s imperative to hear about the impact of our programs directly from our students! CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths. capkids.org ⭐️ #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax

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