Uncommon Cause arts fundraiser may hit record for arts council

Kelly Agnew, auctioneer, left of center with microphone, keeps the bidding competitive during Uncommon Cause, Future Focus, a fundraiser for the arts held at Harrison Lake Country Club, Columbus, Indiana, Saturday, August 6, 2022 Carla Clark | For The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The theme of “Future Focus” was so sharp at Saturday’s annual Uncommon Cause arts fundraiser that a record gross total of $227,300 will also boost the present time for the nonprofit Columbus Area Arts Council.

Brooke Hawkins, the arts council’s interim executive director, said she was impressed with the community-wide support among a crowd of 250 people at Harrison Lake Country Club.

“The space was full and lively,” Hawkins said.

The event featured food from chefs Dan and Amber Gruden, live music from local pop-rock cover band Flat Earth, an art store with one-of-a-kind creations from local artists and designers and a live auction. The top-earning auction item was a private fresh seafood-and-wine dinner for 10 people with local chef Gethin Thomas and a boat ride on Grandview Lake. It went for $12,500.

The previous record gross total was set in 2019 at $215,000 according to records. Hawkins said she is uncertain if the current figure will translate to a net record after expenses are paid since some costs have risen substantially amid the pandemic.

“We’re still amid COVID-19, and we’re in the middle of a transition in leadership,” Hawkins said. “So, against all odds, the community really came together and rallied around the arts. And we’re really grateful for that.

For the complete story and more photos, see Tuesday’s Republic.