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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.

There is truly nothing like the feeling of opening handmade cards from CAP students. Reading how much these classes mean to them is the ultimate reminder of why we do what we do.

"What I like about CAP is the dances we do and the friends I made but I wanted to say thank you for the donations and the opportunity to perform this dance downtown." - Daniel, Parkwood Heights Elementary School.

Because of your support, CAP students have an opportunity to learn, create and grow. You don't just help fund a class, you fuel a community of rising leaders. We are endlessly grateful for your belief in CAP's mission. #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Keep your students growing and engaged this summer in the CAP Studio Artists immersive visual art program! Don't miss out, sign up today at our link in bio.🎨🖌️

Session 2: July 20 – 24, 2026

This one-week summer camp runs from 9 a.m. –  4 p.m., for rising 3rd through 5th graders. This session titled "Art Around the World," includes a themed approach to developing the foundations of drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Classes will be held at 4001 Hendricks Avenue, 32207.
Did you know that learning how to play music can be a literacy superpower? When children study music they become better readers and build skills like deep listening, cooperation, and team work. Learn more about the many academic and social benefits of arts education at capkids.org.✨
Visual Arts Summer Camp alert! Secure a spot for your young artist in the CAP Studio Artists (CAPSA) immersive visual art program providing students with the opportunity to pursue their passion and expand their creative skills. 🎨🖌️

Session 1: June 22 – 26, 2026
Session 2: July 20 – 24, 2026

These one-week summer camps run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., for rising 3rd through 5th graders. 
Each session includes a themed approach to developing the foundations of drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Register today at our CAP Summer Camps ☀️ link in bio!
CAP is hiring a full-time Special Assistant to the President & CEO! This is a rare opportunity to work closely with the CEO of a dynamic and successful nonprofit and to become a trusted partner in shaping how the organization runs. 

Learn more about the role and how to apply by clicking the Work at CAP 🌟 link in bio.

This is a wonderful role for someone who wants to be trusted with meaningful work in service of children, creativity and a brighter future for Northeast Florida. We look forward to hearing from you! 💜
Research shows clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior, and social and civic participation. Rhythm-based musical training, in particular, has been shown to enhance higher-order cognition and motor control. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. For more information about CAP programs visit our link in bio.🪘
Thank you to all who attended the CAP Visual Arts Showcase Opening Receptions today! You can still view the inspiring artwork created by CAP students through June 10 at the Alexander Brest Gallery at Jacksonville University! Don’t miss it!🎨🎉 
#capkidsjax
CAP is hiring a Part Time Teaching Artist in Strings! As a CAP Teaching Artist specializing in strings, you'll inspire young lives by providing instruction in violin, viola, cello and/or bass in afterschool settings across Northeast Florida. You'll create and utilize engaging, standards-aligned curriculum and lead enriching educational experiences that ignite students' creative spirits and foster a lifelong appreciation for music. Start Date: August 2026. 
For more information visit the Work at CAP link in bio. Apply today!🎻
Every child has a creative spirit. The study of music develops their unique strengths – like self-confidence, creative thinking, self-respect, empathy and perseverance. Participation in the arts creates extraordinary change in the lives of children that sets them up to succeed in school and in life.🌟#theartsaddup #capkidsjax #artsed
Are you a military family? CAP is proud to provide two FREE week-long arts camps for Blue Star Families this summer!🎶👯Supported by the @Kids Hope Alliance, CAP’s Brave HeArts program provides military families with the opportunity for their students to explore their creativity through a variety of arts experiences and performances. Led by CAP teaching artists, campers of all experience levels will enjoy music and dance activities designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Learn more and register at our Brave HeArts link in bio!💙

Session 1 | Music Exploration
July 6-10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will explore their musical interests through both individual and collaborative instruction. 

Session 2 | Dance Exploration
July 13-17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will embark on an exciting journey in this beginner-level dance camp.

Location: Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Come out to this Riverside Arts Market and cheer for our Emerging Artists Programs students in the CAP Dance Ensemble, CAP String Orchestra and CAP Theatre Company on the River Stage this Saturday, May 2 beginning at 10:30 am! 🎻👯🎭Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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