The Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Art Center Foundation’s Board of Trustees have established the Chip Williamson Theatre For Schools Scholarship Fund to honor the man who led the effort to make the dream of the state-of-the-art High Country performing art center come true.
“Since its formation, the Board has made many important decisions and has seen unparallel rewards for its mission and its effort, however the step taken last week was one of the most important we have taken,” said Board member Ginny Stevens. “It honors a man who has given tirelessly and with unrestrained energy to make the Hayes Center the primary landmark and most valuable resource, not only for Blowing Rock, but the entire High Country.”
The decision by the Board came as Williamson steps down as Chairman of the Board.
“The fortunate thing for the community, region, art center and the arts is that Chip Williamson will remain as active an advocate as he has always been. He will continue his fundraising efforts for assuring the future of the Arts Center,” said Ron Bryson who will assume the chairmanship of the Board. “His passion and determination as to the future financial well being of the Hayes Center remain one of his highest priorities.”
In announcing the formation of the Theatre For Schools Scholarship Fund, the board emphasized that it is being established to remove the economic barriers for schools to attend events at the Hayes Center. This fund will pay for student bodies from places like Crossnore School, Grandfather Home for Children and others to come to the Hayes Center as well as provide financial aid for public and other schools who have transportation or other financial issues that prevent them from coming to the Center.
The goal is to establish the initial fund of at least $10,000 with 20 contributions of $500 from Foundation board members, staff and selected donors who wish to join the initiative to honor Williamson for his success.
The longer term goal is to have a fund balance sufficient in five years to be able to award scholarships from the interest earned on the fund.
“The reason for establishing this fund in Chip’s honor is his passion for making the Hayes Center available to all young people in the region, no matter their economic or social situation,” says Kim Cozort Kay, Director of Education for the Hayes Center.
“Chip has spearheaded a fundraising effort in each of the Center’s first two years to bring the entire Crossnore School to the Center in December at no cost to the school,” she continued. “Chip has also been front and center in public pronouncing that the greatest benefit of the Hayes Center to the region is young people. He has already made a difference in so many young lives and it is fitting to name a fund after him to continue that benefit into the future.
The process for receiving funding is for a school to submit a request by letter stating the need and the amount needed. A committee of three - Kim Cozort Kay (Director of Education), Ken Kay (Artistic Producing Director of the Stage Company) and Jeff Clark (Executive Director of the Hayes Center) will decide each request on a case-by-case basis. One designated board member will review the request and agree with the decision or ask the committee to reconsider their decision. This keeps a checks and balance system in place as any responsible non-profit needs to do.
The Board stressed that this fund is not intended to make performances free for students although that may be the case in some instances. “We firmly believe that a payment of some amount should be made for tickets as it reinforces the fact that not all things in life are free,” says Ginny Stevens. “We have also found that groups that pay something for their tickets exhibit better behavior and gain more benefit from the event than many of those who do not pay.”