Long time Stage Company Board Member Marge Barrett continues her support for the arts in Blowing Rock, her most recent gift the entire purchase price of a condominium unit she sold recently through Advanced Realty and Lions Construction and Realty, who were so inspired by her gift to the citizens of this region, they too eliminated any fees or commissions as a gift to the Hayes Center.
It was Marge, and her late husband Homer, who made the very first gift to establish a building fund for a new arts center, and thanks to the Barretts and other generous donors, Blowing Rock is home to the most magnificent, state-of-the-art performing arts building in the High Country that has, in just over a year, become a mecca for live theatre fans, special performances from everything from the ballet to magic, and most important of all, a home for finding, developing, and presenting the opportunity for exposure for young people from age 6 to seniors to age 90 in the performing arts.
Named in honor of Mariam and Robert Hayes, the Center has become a gathering place for dozens of community activities and projects and in its short time has already become a landmark institution in Blowing Rock and the High Country and a destination for thousands - all started through the generosity of the Barrett family.
The two REALTORS who worked to sell the donated real estate were Ada Webster (left) owner/principal broker of Advanced Realty, and Robbie Jo Sharrett (right) owner/principal broker of Lyons Construction and Realty. Veterans of over 20 years each in the Real Estate industry, Ms. Sharrett and Ms. Webster, on behalf of their companies donated 100% of the real estate commission to the Hayes Center.
“We were happy to work on behalf of the Community Arts Center,” said Ms. Webster. “I hope others will follow Mrs. Barrett’s generous example and consider donating real estate or other assets to the Hayes Center that touches so many lives in such a positive way.”
Robbie Sharrett was equally as gracious in her comments.
“My daughter, Conley, was involved with Blowing Rock Stage Company years ago in several productions, so our family knows personally the wonderful experiences and memories a facility of this high caliber can bring to local young people and their families,” she said. “Some of the funds from this sale can be used to further all the wonderful opportunities that the Hayes Performing Arts Center offers to those young people wanting to hone their performance skills.
Pictured above with Ada and Robbie are Marge Barrett (below center) and Hayes Foundation Board President Ron Bryson, second from left.
The Hayes Center is in its most current phase of fund raising, to finish paying for borrowed funds to build the Center and to establish an endowment that would support maintenance and program advancement for children and adults.
Those wishing more information on giving opportunities, from naming the grounds or facilities in honor or memory of a loved one or friend, or for those wishing to contribute to a specific area of the Center’s mission, may contact Jeff Clark at 295-9168 or visit the Center.