Cherry Center for the Arts, tucked in a Carmel neighborhood, hosts gallery exhibitions and events like PorchLight Stories, a live storytelling series. Beyond The Cherry, donations will expand the Poetin-Schools program at more county high schools, fund the High School Poetry Awards and support Thinking Out Loud, a teen art exhibition where young creators showcase their talent in a professional gallery space. “The Cherry Center is an extraordinary cultural resource for the region. It encompasses a range of expression and experience unimagined by small, regional institutions. But it is not the roster of performers and presenters that is arresting; it is the overarching vision that pursues investigation and contextualizes the art and literature to illuminate histories and deeper meanings.” -Jan Wurm, curator of art, Richmond Art Center CARMEL ART ASSOCIATION Year Founded: 1927 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 83 volunteers Budget: $889,000 (831) 250-3347 carmelart.org BIG IDEA: The Carmel Art Association’s Big Idea is 100 years in the making. This nonprofit is planning a year-long celebration of its centennial—and you can contribute. Donations will launch six exhibitions by late CAA artist members at galleries in Monterey and in CAA’s own Beardsley Gallery in Carmel. Other plans for CAA’s 100th birthday include a commemorative catalog, speaker and film series and, of course, a birthday party. This one will be a costume ball complete with a Carmel-bohemian-artist-colony theme. “Art is alive in Carmel. I see CAA as the beacon, the hub, the axis point of our precious art community. Without its scaffolding we’d lose much of the focus artists and art lovers depend on. It’s a place to learn and be inspired by other creators. Long live CAA, the heart of the Carmel art community.” -Ronnie and Olivia Vannucci CARMEL BACH FESTIVAL Year Founded: 1935 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 146 volunteers Budget: $3,316,000 (831) 624-1521 bachfestival.org BIG IDEA: The Carmel Bach Festival takes over Carmel-by-the-Sea each summer, but this nonprofit gives back year-round. PLAY! assemblies and clinics reach K-12 students across Monterey County, with long-term residencies at schools in Salinas, North County and South County launched this current school year. “In The Stacks” brings free chamber concerts to libraries and other public spaces. Donations will help support the expansion of this Big Idea to 12 locations, helping live classical music reach a broader audience. ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM COASTAL LIVING STARTS AT SEA HAVEN One- and Two-story Homes Starting from $1 Million 2-7 Bedrooms | 2-3 Car Garages | Exclusive Amenities LiveSeaHaven.com A community built around the everyday moments of coastal living. Step outside to scenic trails, nearby beaches, and vibrant gathering spaces that make every day feel like a getaway. Layia and Villosa, our two home collections, each bring their own character while delivering the same blend of comfort, luxury, and everyday flexibility. Wherever you land, your perfect home is closer to the beach than you ever imagined. Prices and availability are subject to change. 28 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com
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