Tallahassee’s Southside Arts Complex held its annual donor reception on Friday.
SAC is need of $50,000 to continue its operations and sustain its programs.
Cal Hankerman, assistant executive director for the organization, said the complex is asking the community to support the complex’s vision by becoming donors.
“This is really in the hands of the community now,” Hankerman said. “We have started a campaign to garner 500 supporters who will donate $100.”
More than 150 people attended the reception, which featured speeches from Commissioner Andrew Gillum, Commissioner Gil Ziffer, Mayoral Assistant Brad Johnson and City Manager Anita Favors.
The reception also had performances from the Tallahassee Boys Choir, Latoya’s School of Dance and trumpeter Longineu Parsons took place.
“I was pleased with the turnout,” said Marcus Rhodes, who created the arts complex in 2011.
Hankerman said the purpose of this event was not only to gain donors, but to receive more information on SAC.
“We wanted people to come experience SAC and leave with a clear understanding of why this community needs a great place like this,” Hankerman said.
The complex serves as a venue for local talent as well.
“I come to this facility all the time to practice for my local performances,” said Sherwood Brown, an R&B artist and a senior business administration student at Florida A&M from Tallahassee.
Leon Hicks, a visual artist, said this the complex is unique to Tallahassee.
“The difference between this institution and other institutions like the Riley House is that we are not placed in the governmental framework of Tallahassee, and this is our advantage,” Hicks said.
“We are defined by the fact that students can see their aspirations here. They can see their potential here, they can see the extension of their dreams here, whereas other institutions are fixed on the accomplishments and preservation of the past.”