“Just Say YAYA 2015” was the first event held at the brand new YAYA Arts Center in Central City, which opened in July 2015, and benefits the programs of Young Aspirations/Young Artists, including Urban Heroes, an in-school arts enrichment program for public schools, YAYA’s Guild, an after-school tuition free arts program for high school students and YAYA’s public access glass studio.
YAYA Senior Guild Percy Ellis of Percy Ellis Events created a six-foot tall “YAYA” balloon column. YAYA artwork by students, guest artists and staff was for sale. The glass studio was open for a sneak peek and the upstairs studio was set up a student showcase for projects they worked on over the past semester.
Glenny Beahm served as Event Chair, and Danielle Viguerie and Sarah Martzolf served as Auction Chairs. Carter Perrilliat and Whitney Guarisco served as Culinary Chairs. Kay Kerrigan, Board President, spoke at the event to thank patrons and introduce the auction.
All food and drink was donated by Brennan’s Palace Cafe, Dat Dog, Midway Pizza, Nell’s Catering, Sucre, Langenstein’s, NOLA Brewing and Clean CrEATions.
John Calhoun hosted the live auction, which included 11 items and a Fund-a-Need to directly support YAYA’s community arts programming. Following the auction, the Mississippi Rain Band performed live music.
Prior to the main event, the Patron Party included a live glass demo by studio managers Mark Morris and Charity Poskitt. Brennan’s Palace Cafe passed hors d’oeuvres, and there was a silent auction.
The event brought 500 guests to the YAYA Arts Center and raised over $100,000.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Just say YAYA 2015,” benefiting YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists)
When: Friday, November 13
Where: YAYA Arts Center
