Live music by the Nuclear Jazz Quarktet was performed at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center’s annual Gala.
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center knows how to throw a party.
The gallery, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park, hosted its 20th annual fundraising Gala themed, For the Love of Arts – Tapestry…McCord Woven in Time, on Saturday, Oct.5 at Midlothian Country Club, 5000 W. 147th St #1, Midlothian.
“Seeing all the enthusiastic guests and all the generosity, helping McCord continue to grow is what I personally like most about this event,” Carol Trzcinski, executive director of McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, said. “As a nonprofit organization McCord holds various fundraising events throughout the year. But it is our ‘For Love of the Arts’ annual Gala that provides the major funding needed to keep us moving forward and serving the community.”
Trzcinski was responsible for organizing the event, along co-chair, Arlene Adams, and the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center’s Board of Director that gave attendees the opportunity to gather together, meet, mingle, drink, enjoy a full meal and live music by the Nuclear Jazz Quarktet, all while sharing creative artistic ideas at the event.
“It was a great evening shared among those who support McCord and our mission,” Trzcinski said.
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center mission includes increasing community awareness and involvement, and continuing to offer new and exciting artistic opportunities to the Chicagoland’s southwest community.
It was formed through the interests and dedication of and by the local community. A passionate group of volunteers, that was assembled and entrusted through the Village of Palos Park, determined the fate of the McCord House, to become a center for the arts right in the heart of the Palos Park community.
Incorporated with 501(c)3 nonprofit organization status in February of 2003, the group of volunteers took time to develop a fundraising campaign before McCord officially opened its doors in September of 2004.
“It was then, with the help of local art and music instructors we began offering classes, then exhibits and cultural events,” Trzcinski said. “Our volunteers created countless fundraising events throughout the years that continue today.
We have now grown from just the McCord House, where we squeezed in art and music students, and small art shows, to adding the 4,000 square foot Anderson Annex addition in 2016. The addition of the gallery space and classroom has been an integral part of our continued growth.”
McCord has always remained volunteer ran and operates with the Board of Directors and several smaller committees of volunteers for operations and programming. Trzcinski works closely with all committees and oversees day-to-day operations.
The Gala was just one way to thank all of its hardworking volunteers and countless supporters that put in plenty of time and effort throughout the calendar year.
“One individual is only a single thread, but with many, it becomes a rich tapestry woven by all… for the Love of the Arts,” Arlene Adams, Gala Co-Chair and Vice President Board of Directors of McCord, said.