
The event, in addition to serving as the organization's annual grants award ceremony, was an opportunity for the organization to commemorate its founding in 1987. The Arts Alliance awarded over $37,000 in grants to 18 deserving county nonprofit organizations and schools that evening. Approximately 100 people were in attendance to help the Arts Alliance celebrate this important milestone. Special guest Charles County Commissioner Vice President Reuben Collins presented the organization with a County Proclamation honoring the CCAA for its "25 years of service of advancing the arts in Charles County."
In her remarks, Arts Alliance President Diane Rausch noted that the Gala was the culminating "grand finale" of a yearlong celebration of the organization's founding in 1987. Commemorative events earlier in 2012 included:
- The first statewide juried arts show at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site in Port Tobacco;
- The first partnership with the Federal Government (National Park Service);
- The first partnership with the Town of La Plata in presenting the ArtsFest 2012 countywide arts festival;
- The first partnership with the Charles County Public Library in sponsoring three art galleries at the new Waldorf West Library; and
- Public participation in autographing the large CCAA 25th Birthday Banner and in joining "Hands Across the Fair" at the Charles County Fair.
At the Gala, the CCAA also officially retired its long-standing official logo and mascot, and unveiled new ones.
In keeping with the festive, celebratory mood of this "Silver Anniversary" evening, food was provided by Exquisite Catering of La Plata and Desserts by Gerard of Oxon Hill. Reception music was presented by pianist Greg Nichols, and after the evening's formal ceremony, music for dancing was provided by the Southern Maryland Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Roy Jenkins.
Founded in 1987, the mission of the Charles County Arts Alliance is to stimulate, promote, encourage, and provide recognition of the arts and the creative spirit in Charles County. Recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council as the arts council of Charles County, MD, the CCAA serves as the local "umbrella" organization for promoting ALL the arts: music, visual art, drama, dance, and literature. Membership in the Arts Alliance is open to anyone with a desire to advance the arts in the County. Interested parties can join by calling, 301-392-5900, or by visiting the CCAA website, www.charlescountyarts.org.