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It’s that time again here on Marco Island when all the social and fundraising activities take place. This brings to mind a few facts.

Fact is we are a seasonal community and when we are all here we like to get together.

Fact is that for the non-profit organizations, we need to make the most of the opportunities that exist when the population is at its highest.

Fact is that The Center for the Arts (known to many as the Art League) is no different than any other non-profit organization on our Island; we want you to take part in our social and fundraising opportunities.

Since we are all here, why not “pARTy” right?

Well, the Center for the Arts thought of that, so this year the annual fundraiser is “the pARTy”.

With any fundraiser you must also have a theme and the pARTy’s is a Swashbuckling Soiree.

What a great opportunity this poses for a social outing with a focus on the fun in fundraising! As you might guess from the theme, this is an all out pirate adventure. Let me see if I can paint the picture for you in words.

The Pirate Adventure will begin for many before they even arrive as the event encourages costumes. You and your mates will cross the gangway and upon boarding receive a complimentary rum drink.

On the horizon you will see the other ships sharing the seas — five to be exact and all captained by familiar faces.

Amongst the pillaging and piracy you will hear the sounds of Frank Carroll Reggae Ambassador & Band. In the tradition of the search for treasures, a Treasure Chest of Auction items will be available for silent bidding. And for added fun there will be a Brig on the premises.

Of course, seeing as the Center for the Arts is all about awareness of the arts, Take Your Pic random raffle has been added to the annual fundraiser. For those of you who may not be familiar with it, this is an opportunity for attendees to take home an original piece of art, many by local artists, as part of the ticket price.

Now Take Your Pic is a live random raffle, but the “booty” can be viewed by all. No one knows when or if they will win, but once a ticket is pulled, you get to literally take your pick of the art work on display in this special booty!

Oh! Did I mention that the art work in Take Your Pic has a minimum value of $150?

Now if that isn’t a pirate’s way to collect art, I don’t know what is.

We have heard that pirates get pretty hungry and thirsty so of course there is a cash bar and a buffet dinner will be served; one that the Captain can be proud of.

I hope you are following the visual I am attempting to set.

The picture gets a whole lot clearer as we focus on some more facts.

Fact is that fundraising events are an important part of non-profit budgets.

Fact is that non-profit arts organizations have the same issues in running their organization as other non-profits.

Fact is that the Center for the Arts, Art League, is no different and is here because of donations and dedicated supporters. Fundraisers for non-profits are not just social opportunities, but are opportunities to donate to an entity. The word fundraiser means to raise funds.

Although the fundraising efforts this year for your Center for the Arts is a pirate’s adventure, that’s only the theme. The efforts are far from piracy.

The vision to provide an arts center in our community was, and is, anything but. The Center is here to provide not take away.

Someone mentioned to me today that the arts are what makes us human. Having the opportunity to provide education and awareness of the arts through programs, exhibits and throughout the history of our Island, keeps us human.

So let’s pARTy! Let’s support the arts today.

Check out the Arts & Cultural Calendar for the ways you can help. Until next time...

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Christine Neal is the executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in the Liberal Arts with emphasis in the Fine Arts and various certifications and designations in business and the arts. An award winning artist, with 20-plus years in management and sales. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive 239-394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.