taught me how to give and receive constructive feedback, how to stand in front of a room and own my words, and how to connect with people on a deeper level. Seeing my poem published in our end-of-year anthology was a moment of pride I will carry with me forever.” -Norah Bautisa, 17 CARMEL BACH FESTIVAL Year Founded: 1935 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 132 volunteers Budget: $3,242,000 (831) 624-1521 bachfestival.org BIG IDEA: For two weeks every July since the 1930s, multiple stages come to life with classical music during the Carmel Bach Festival. But there is more to the nonprofit’s offerings. The Big Idea spotlights its ongoing community performances—which are free to attend. Donations will support a range programs including Tower Music (short brass ensemble concerts performed outside the Sunset Center before mainstage concerts); In The Stacks (chamber ensemble performances in libraries, with plans to expand to assisted living centers); Singing Out Loud, a songwriting program for fifth-graders; and an annual Family Concert…because classic music is for everyone of all ages and all backgrounds. “As a former first-grade schoolteacher, attending the Carmel Bach Festival Family Concert is such a treat. Seeing so many young children excitedly arriving with family and friends is heartwarming. The stories are entertaining and the music entrancing. Watching a video of whales while listening to the ‘music’ they make is mesmerizing, no matter one’s age! Hearing music from another country that whisks us away to that far-off land is magical. This year I sat behind a 5-year old who barely moved for an hour, he was so engaged.” -Gail Dryden CARMEL DANCE FESTIVAL Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $325,000 (310) 923-2766 carmeldancefestival.org BIG IDEA: Donors to this Big Idea can uplift two communities at once. Carmel Dance Festival seeks to launch the Terpsichore Project. This project, named after the Greek muse of dance, awards full scholarships to talented local young dancers from diverse and under-served backgrounds. These dancers will then use their artistry in service to the community, including performing in settings such as hospital and palliative care facilities throughout Monterey County. This pilot project’s first performances are scheduled for Natividad Medical Center in Salinas. “The importance of dance is indisputable. We humans have never stopped dancing. It’s in our blood. If you don’t believe it, put music in a toddler’s room and see what happens. Or go to one of Carmel Dance Festival’s events. To say you will be moved isn’t enough. You absolutely will move. Perhaps the movements will be subtle, the person next to you hardly noticing. Or maybe your body remains still, but your heart is dancing inside you, opening to the story the dancers are sharing. The Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel are gifts. The beautiful dancers and incredible choreographies are magical and meaningful. I find myself dancing in my dreams when I get home.” - Pam Bonsper CARMEL GUITAR SOCIETY Year Founded: 1961 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 7 volunteers Budget: $38,000 (831) 316-3230 carmelguitarsociety.org BIG IDEA: Carmel Guitar Society’s goal is to present a consistent, high-quality concert series featuring 28 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM ARTS COUNCIL FOR MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1982 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 30 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $2,166,261 (831) 622-9060 arts4mc.org BIG IDEA: The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) supports emerging and established artists in a variety of ways. Its Big Idea, Arts4Healing, is a program that pairs teaching artists with a range of individuals who can learn more than technical art skills from tapping into their creative side. The program is designed to help participants improve emotional well-being, build a sense of identity and strengthen resilience. A nearly 20-yearold program, Arts4Healing reaches youth, students, adults, families and seniors to provide a powerful shared space for creativity, community and connection. “The Arts4Healing program is such a wonderful addition to our services. Several of our guests said they enjoyed being able to take their mind away from their worries and creating good memories. We truly appreciate our partnership.” -Anjanette Love, Gathering for Women program facilitator SPOTLIGHT “I find myself dancing in my dreams when I get home.” -Pam Bonsper, Carmel Dance Festival
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