equipment, this organization can boost existing programming and attract new opportunities for video presentations, art exhibits and dance classes. “Each May, the Monterey Peninsula Quilters Guild dedicates themselves to transforming Chautauqua Hall into a vibrant and colorful display of their handmade quilts. Over 600 people from all over Monterey County and beyond gather to witness the three-day display of quilts, marveling at the creativity and skill displayed by the quilters. The historic significance is further emphasized by the beauty of this historic hall.” -Joan Costello I CANTORI DI CARMEL Year Founded: 1981 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $220,000 (831) 644-8012 icantori.org BIG IDEA: I Cantori di Carmel doesn’t only perform choral concerts for local audiences year after year. The group’s mission includes a Big Idea to recruit promising young singers and instrumentalists to Monterey County. These artists get a chance to advance their careers while local audiences benefit from professional-level classical artists. This nonprofit’s Raising Voices campaign represents I Cantori’s effort to keep Monterey County a viable place for professional musicians to live and practice their craft. “My husband and I have had the pleasure of experiencing the remarkable performances of Carmel’s I Cantori choir several times, and they are nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a group of people who can sing—they are devoted to music. Their voices bring both new and classical compositions to life in a way that is as meaningful as it is beautiful. On top of the magical performances, their enthusiasm for sharing the joy of music with the local community and their support of budding performers really underlines their commitment. I Cantori is a standout in the choral scene, demonstrating what it means to combine talent, passion and a real connection to music. They make every performance feel like a unique experience. We can’t wait to hear them again.” -Sabine Wolpers MARINA YOUTH ARTS Year Founded: 2005 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 30 volunteers Budget: $77,000 (831) 204-0513 marinayoutharts.org BIG IDEA: Art classes can provide more than creative and technical development—they can also help develop wellness. For eight years, Marina Youth Arts has been offering its Creative Wellness through Journaling & Art program at two Marina schools and an after-school center. Participants have seen positive emotional growth through this arts-based emotional support program. MCGives! donations can help bring this Big Idea to more students, expanding to students enrolled in transitional kindergarten (TK) for the first time. “I love having art class because it calms me.” -Cassie, 8 MONTEREY COUNTY POPS! Year Founded: 1985 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 5 paid, 20 volunteers Budget: $225,000 (831) 206-2588 montereycountypops.org BIG IDEA: You may know Monterey County Pops! for its patriotic concerts, but this Big Idea includes much more. This organization’s youth music initiative reaches 1,500 students in nine county schools. Students rehearse, share a meal, then perform sideby-side with their instructor-mentors through this program—all offered at no charge to partner schools and the students’ families. Donations help this program grow to reach its goal of 2,000 participating students at 12 schools. “The time my students spend with these professional musicians has proven to have a lasting impact. During the sessions, our students learn so much about technique and general musicianship. The real highlight is the joint concert, with our students sitting side-by-side with their mentors. Their families—our community—really enjoy it. It’s hard to express just how much their outreach impacts the families and community members who attend.” -Matt Huot, music director at Greenfield High School 38 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM HIJOS DEL SOL Year Founded: 1994 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $600,051 (831) 200-3915 hijosdelsol.org BIG IDEA: Hijos del Sol operates its open arts studio in East Salinas five days a week. Big Ideas thrive in this experimental space, available for youth and families free of charge. Illustrators, painters, sculptors, writers, photographers and filmmakers ages 5 and up develop their creativity here, thriving thanks to Hijos del Sol’s art programs and workshops. Students get access to high-quality supplies and a chance to shine through handson mentorships and annual art exhibitions. “Hijos del Sol is like my second family. I have met some of my closest friends in the art studio. I’ve been coming to the art studio since I was 7 years old. I am now 16 and I’ve seen huge progress in my work. I’ve had the chance to exhibit my artwork in many exhibitions like ‘A Toda Madre,’ ‘Garabatos’ and ‘Dias de Muertos.’ I’ve learned the art of sharing my attained skills with others, who, like me, are growing up inside the Hijos del Sol studio.” -Victor SPOTLIGHT “There isn’t a piece of music that hasn’t lodged in my soul.” -Dr. Leslie Foote, Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra
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