he Berrien Community Foundation’s Arts Challenge fundraiser has closed. President Lisa Cripps-Downey says it was a success.
“We had a $60,000 challenge and had a couple of donors who came together and said if the community raised $60,000, they would provide another $60,000 that would be split among nine arts organizations in our community,” says Cripps-Downey. “We made the challenge!”
The organizations will share the more than $200,000 raised. They are The Acorn, Citadel Dance and Music Center, Children’s Music Workshop, The Ghostlight Theatre, Krasl Art Center, Performing Arts Workshop, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Players, and Water Street Glassworks. Each organization also worked to raise money.
Cripps-Downey says the community stepped up.
“It is so critical for them at this time as they’re trying to get back on their feet, and things are still kinda dicey. They’re trying to make their way and not spend through all of their reserves.”
