2015 annual RepoRt

2015 annual Report
Photo: Patrice Ward
Where Culture Meets Community
From the Directors
There is an incredible world
of discovery and possibility
awaiting you here...
Board Chair Kathy Bang with
Executive Director Christine Sandin (right)
Photo: Patrice Ward
Photo: Patrice Ward
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
Dear Friends,
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve as a multi-purpose gathering place that enriches, educates, and entertains by presenting
artistic and educational programs, and by hosting public and private events.
What We Do:
Pages 4, 5, 7
Deliver diverse arts programming of the highest quality, including strong
collaboration with our resident companies.
Pages 6, 7, 9
Be a vibrant community center serving the needs of Carmel residents and
community organizations.
Pages 8, 9
Grow arts engagement and education programs for all ages.
How We Do It:
Pages 3, 12, 15
Ensure that Sunset Center is able to recruit, develop, and retain top quality talent on
its staff, as volunteers, and as Board members.
Pages 3, 7
Provide and maintain a state-of-the-art facility that is responsive to the needs of our
audience and performers.
Pages 10, 11, 13, 14
Ensure the long-term financial viability of the organization and operate in a fiscally
responsible manner.
Hello and thank you for your ongoing generous support
of the Sunset Community and Cultural Center!
Stay tuned for further developments as we continue
this exciting process throughout 2016.
We are pleased to continue to serve Carmel-by-theSea and our beautiful Peninsula in support of our
mission: to serve as a multi-purpose gathering place
that enriches, educates, and entertains by presenting
artistic and educational programs, and by hosting
public and private events.
Once again, an outstanding program representing
a diversity of genres was well received in our theater
during 2014-15. A few of those performances will be
highlighted throughout this report. Further, we are
pleased that the Panetta Institute is holding their
renowned 2016 Leon Panetta Lecture Series in our
facility. We are also proud to announce our selection
as one of 10 national partners for the Kennedy Center
Partners in Education program over the next two years.
Last year, the Board approved a new strategic plan,
identifying 3 major goals: to be the preeminent
performing arts venue between Los Angeles and San
Francisco, to serve as a vibrant community center for
Carmel-by-the-Sea, and to increase engagement with
the arts – especially for underserved youth throughout
the region. We also identified 3 ways we will achieve
these goals: recruit and retain high quality staff, achieve
good financial performance, and maintain excellent
physical facilities.
There is an incredible world of discovery and
possibility awaiting you here at Sunset Center – where
culture meets community! We look forward to seeing
you at YOUR community and cultural center often this
year.
Sincerely,
Speaking of facilities, this year we are working with Kathy Bang, SCC Board Chair
the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea on a visionary new Christine Sandin, Executive Director
Campus Plan in support of our Strategic Plan. We
have engaged Anderson Brulé Architects to assist
us with this process, and we spent much of last
year actively engaging the community for input.
Sunset Center Board of Trustees
1
Photo:Michelle Magdalena Photography
Kathy Bang, Chair
Nancy Doolittle
Sue McCloud
Stan Meresman, Vice Chair
Mary Gifford
Mary Ruberry
Steve Pearson, Secretary
Bob Kavner
Leslie Snorf
Rich Fineberg, Treasurer
Elece Leverone,
Immediate Past Chair
Ken White
2
Diverse
Arts Programming
Culture,
meet community.
Diverse Arts Programming
LeAnn Rimes
Photo: Charles Williams
What a year! During the 2014-2015 season, more than 22,000 people attended performances in Sunset
Center’s theater. Of these, 12,285 came to 25 of our very own Sunset Presents performances. 8 Sunset Presents
performances were sold out: Olivia Newton-John, Chris Isaak, Kathleen Madigan, James Van Praagh, Rosanne Cash,
Buddy Guy, ABBA Mania, and Herb Alpert & Lani Hall.
Amy Grant
Photo: Pamela Newman
In addition to our Sunset Presents performances, Sunset Center’s stage is graced by some of the finest classical
music of the region, and showcases the concerts of other regional promoters.
A Few Standouts:
Chamber Music Monterey Bay presented accomplished pianist and
“true aristocrat of the keyboard” Jon Nakamatsu, accompanied by
the San Francisco Girls Chorus, in January 2015.
Carmel Bach Festival’s 78th season, entitled “Bach, Bohemia, and
Beyond,” filled our theater with fabulous soloists, ensembles and
more during the last two weeks of July 2015.
How far did you travel to get here?
In order of highest to lowest geographic concentration of Sunset Center ticket buyers, 71% of you live in one of
these towns: Carmel, Monterey, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley, Seaside, and Marina.
Unique performances presented by other promoters included an
evening with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the
legendary band Traffic, Dave Mason; Pink Floyd Concert Experience
(complete with laser light show!); and performances by the always
passionate and evocative Smuin Ballet.
The remaining 29% came from places far and wide: Santa Cruz and Aptos, San Francisco and
Sunnyvale, the farther-flung locales of Albany and Anchorage, and even Manchester, England and
Montreal, Quebec.
In Your Words: PETER AND ANNE THORP
In Your Words:
“We first attended a Carmel Music Society concert in the 2002-03 season. Peter
joined the Board in 2004-05 and I (Anne) joined the year after. One or both of
us have been President since the 2006-07 season. It is very satisfying to know that
we are bringing great international stars of classical music to the community so
that people can enjoy the concerts without having to drive great distances. It is
also exciting to see an increasing number of young students taking advantage of
free seats. The relationship between the HPPs and Sunset Center is special. We
are able to use a state-of-the-art facility that our musicians love. We enjoy working
with the Sunset staff, and getting to know the organization.”
“Sunset Center is the shining star of our community!
Keep up the excellent quality and diverse selection of entertainment.”
“Best theater around!”
“Love the Sunset Center—great venue, unique, very welcoming.”
Some of Our Favorite Moments:
Photo: O’Keefe Design & Photography
• Buddy Guy playing his guitar up and down the aisles, in the seats, and in the balcony
• The surreal and whimsical world conjured by Mummanschanz
• The buzz of the sold-out crowd at the Herb Alpert & Lani Hall Gala performance
• Audience members’ collective astonishment with spiritual medium James Van Praagh’s uncanny summonings
3
Smuin Ballet
Photo: Patrice Ward
STUDIO 105
In 2014, we introduced a new eclectic performance series to patrons
in our black box venue, STUDIO 105. Featuring an intriguing array of
performance styles, affordable ticket prices, and a casual atmosphere,
the series was a hit. We also staged a number of special pre- and postshow events in the venue, and the space served double-time as the
Bravo! Member Lounge before Sunset Presents shows.
Mayhem Poets
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
4
Vibrant Community Center
State-of-the-Art Facility
Sunset Community and Cultural
Center Master Plan
Art by Winston Goodfellow
Last season, Sunset Center welcomed a total of 118,420 people through our doors! Many came for meetings
and conferences held in one of four auxiliary rooms in our North Wing (formerly Sunset School classrooms).
We support the community by providing complimentary meeting space for a number of local organizations,
including the City of Carmel-by-the Sea Police & Fire Departments, the Carmel Public Library Foundation, the
Friends of Carmel Forest, the Carmel Garden Club and more. Additionally, the public office candidates’ forum
and City and County elections are held on site.
The North Wing also houses our Marjorie Evans Gallery. Former
Carmel City Councilman Robert H. Evans (1911-2008) originally
matched funds with the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to enclose the
Marjorie Evans Gallery at Sunset Center in honor of his mother,
Marjorie, in 1972.
During the 2014-2015 season, we exhibited the works of many local
artists—skilled in mediums as varied as metal panel sculpture,
digital macro photography, and abstract oil painting—via ten,
month-long exhibits, each accompanied by an artist reception.
In Your Words: Laureen Weaver
“My husband Carl Conrad and I moved here in June 2014. We took a fourmonth road trip in search of the perfect small town that would suit us. We
travelled up CA, OR, WA, BC, Alberta, ID, and back. Carl had sold his business
after 25 years and I had been in real estate for 28 years, and we both wanted
a change. Carmel had a lot of things we were both looking for: I wanted to
pursue my art, and Carl, golf. We wanted to be near the ocean and have a lot
of easy access to travel. We love it here! I was involved in golf for many years
myself, but I started painting in 2009.
I give to Sunset Center because I was looking for a charity to which I
could introduce my art, and they do a really good job with artists in the
community. I had my first art show in April 2015. They did a great job of
displaying the pieces, and I ended up having a good turnout. It was a great
deal of fun, and since I was new to the community it really helped me get
started and focused here.”
5
Vineyard at Dusk
Sunset Community and Cultural Center completed a significant
renovation in 2003. It was at this time that Sunset Cultural
Center, Inc. (SCC) was formed to manage the complex. Major
improvements to the theater, and later, the North Wing
meeting rooms, enhanced the experience of tenants and
community user groups, including Sunset Center’s Historic
Presenting Partners. These changes also allowed Sunset
Presents to flourish, enabling us to continue presenting highquality performing arts to the Monterey Peninsula.
Understanding the need to regularly assess its performance
and identify new avenues for growth, SCC’s Board of Trustees,
led by Chair Kathy Bang, undertook a strategic planning
process in 2014 that included visioning for the Sunset Center
campus. In conjunction with our partner, the City of Carmelby-the-Sea, SCC is currently working with Anderson Brulé
Architects to identify opportunities to improve the site upon
which Sunset Center lives.
Additionally, we undertook several major improvements
in our theater during the 2014-2015 season, including the
replacement of our lighting system and upgrade to our rigging
system. It is our hope that, in time, Sunset Center will be even
better equipped to serve our community—Carmel residents,
Monterey County citizens, and visitors alike—through a
revamped space with expanded services and improved
amenities.
Friends and Neighbors
Historic Presenting Partners:
Carmel Bach Festival
Carmel Music Society
Chamber Music Monterey Bay
Monterey Symphony
Sunset Center Tenant Organizations:
Arts Council for Monterey County
Carmel Adult School Pottery Studio
Center for Photographic Art
Forest Theater Guild
Harrison Memorial Library Book Drop
Yoga Center of Carmel
6
Youth Arts-in-Education
Arts Engagement For All Ages
Educational Series
Photo: Patrice Ward
Photo: Patrice Ward
Photo: Patrice Ward
Gospel Brunch
Photo: Patrice Ward
Sunset Center’s signature arts-in-education program, Classroom Connections, allows us to reach hundreds of
Monterey County students each season. Through the program, we bring nationally-touring performing artists in
the top of their field into local schools, where they visit children ranging from kindergarteners to 12th-graders,
classroom by classroom. The performing artists take students through the creative process and teach concepts
germane to their particular art form. After the artist visits, students arrive for a special, student-only matinee to
take in “their” artist on the Sunset Center theater stage.
Last season, Sunset Center continued to explore new ways to engage attendees beyond theater performances.
We began offering our Healing Arts Series, providing patrons with an opportunity to learn creative new ways
to take care of mind, body, and spirit. This complimentary workshop series included such topics as promoting
wellbeing with aromatherapy and improving health with teas and spices. Continuing with our Sunset Center
Educational Series during the 2014-2015 season, guests enjoyed complimentary presentations on retirement,
understanding the stock and bond market, social security, and more.
Recognizing the importance of parental support and encouragement for a young student’s burgeoning interest in
the performing arts, we recently launched Family Connections. This program allows the families of participating
Classroom Connections students to our attend ticketed, evening performances at no cost.
Through our Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) monthly webcast series, we invited guests to watch fabulous, live
streaming jazz performances straight from NYC’s Lincoln Center in our intimate STUDIO 105 venue. As one of
few official participating venues in JALC’s micro-concert network, we were honored to share high-quality, live jazz
with attendees at no cost.
2014-2015 Classroom Connections Participating Groups:
• Exciting African circus troupe Cirque Zuma Zuma (550+ students from Prunedale and Salinas)
• Whip-smart improv comedy ensemble Upright Citizens Brigade (250+ students from Carmel, Monterey, and
Salinas)
• Slam poetry and hip hop artists Mayhem Poets (600+ students from Carmel, Monterey, and Seaside)
• Acclaimed and historically significant modern dance performers Martha Graham Dance Company
(400+ students from Prunedale, Watsonville, and Carmel)
Many patrons also enjoyed the chance to mingle and share excitement before a performance at our pre-show
events, such as our Mavis Staples Gospel Brunch. Catered by Jeffrey’s, a grooving gospel band led by Tom
Lawson put guests in the mood for Mavis with a rousing set in STUDIO 105.
As we look toward the future, we’re excited to find new ways to delight and engage you, our dedicated patrons
and community members. We welcome your suggestions for future community engagement events! Email your
thoughts to: [email protected].
During our 2014-2015 season, on average, 89% of teachers
reported an increase in student class participation in the weeks
following Classroom Connections. In addition, 80% of students
registered an increased interest in learning more about a particular
art form and attending additional live performances as a result of
Classroom Connections.
In Your Words:
“Wonderful broadening of horizons, exposing [students] to word
play and language appreciation. Also challenged them to think
creatively in how they express their opinions on important issues
like identity and race.”
– Nora McKenna, English Teacher at Seaside Middle School;
students participated in Mayhem Poets Classroom Connections
program
7
Fancy Nancy Tea Party
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
8
Community Support
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
2014-2015 Donors
Photo: Patrice Ward
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
Bravo! Membership Program
Sunset Center provides a unique opportunity for arts lovers to engage more deeply with each other and with
the Center through the Bravo! Membership Program. Members play a vital role in supporting Sunset Center’s
efforts to bring great performances to our stage, and help make our arts education and community engagement
programs possible. During the 2014-2015 season, membership grew to 342 and continues to steadily increase.
Thank you, Bravo! Members!
Sunset at the Copa
Sunset Center’s Third Annual Gala, Sunset at the Copa, was a glamorous, Brazilian-inspired black tie affair. The
Gala broke all previous records, raising over $200,000! Sunset at the Copa would not have been possible without
the dedication and hard work of our Gala Committee, which included Board, community, and staff members.
Thank you, Gala organizers and guests for making this the event of the season!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jack & Dawn Galante
The Galante Family has a long history in the Monterey area. Jack
Galante’s great grandfather, J.F. Devendorf, was the founder of
the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. He later built the Pine Inn and the
prestigious Highlands Inn. In 1969, Jack’s parents purchased a 700acre cattle ranch in rustic Carmel Valley. While still maintaining a
working cattle ranch, in 1983 the Galantes began growing premium
grapes on their property. Today Galante is recognized as one of the
premier wine producers in Monterey County and all of California.
Dawn joined the business office as the CFO and COO at Galante
Vineyards in 2001 and continues to oversee the operations for both
Galante Vineyards and her own Dawn’s Dream Winery.
The Galantes support multiple organizations, focusing on local charities. Dawn is a member of the Les Dames
d’ Escoffier and Knights of the Vine and is actively involved with Rising International, Voices for Children, and many
other nonprofits. Jack is a Supreme Knight in Knights of the Vine, and a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and
Les Bons Entonneurs Rabelaisiens de Chinon. He has been very involved in the Family Winemakers of California
and serves on the Board of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Advisory Committee.
The Galantes explain why they give to Sunset Center: “The organization performs an invaluable service to the
community at large bringing exceptional talent to our area and keeping the arts alive and active in Carmel. We love
attending events but often find it difficult to find the time to go to San Jose or San Francisco. We find it so simple
to attend world class events at the Sunset Center regularly with little interruption to our very busy schedules.”
We are very grateful for the Galantes’ support of Sunset Center!
9
Donations of
$10,000 or more
Bill and Nancy Doolittle
Friends of Sunset Foundation
Mary and DeWitt Gifford
John and Pamela Goode
The Lauralie and
James Irvine Fund of the
Community Foundation for
Monterey County
The Robert S. and Grayce
B. Kerr Foundation
Linda Lee Lester
Elece and Tom Leverone
Frank and Judith Marshall
Stan and Sharon Meresman
Nancy Buck Ransom
Foundation
Donations between
$5,000 and $9,999
Rick and Tonya Antle
Kathy and Gary Bang
Bank of America
Charitable Foundation
Jim and Ellen Beck
Woody and Judy Beville
Neil and Diane Goodhue
Sue McCloud
Dale Meyer
Judie and Bob Profeta
Schwartzel + Sullivan Wealth
Management Group
Danny and Brenda Sullivan
Ken Talmage
Donations between
$2,000 and $4,999
Arts Council of
Monterey County
Ken and Tina Bender
Gerard and Mary Burnett
Carmel Valley Coffee
Roasting Company
Larry and CeCe Chazen
Carol Crandall
Rich and Jackie Fineberg
Jack and Dawn Galante
Jack and Stephanie
Harkness
Dan and Donna Kavanaugh
Doug Lee
Monterey County Weekly
Community Fund of the
Community Foundation
for Monterey County
Gerry and Denise Schwartzel
Charles and Leslie Snorf
Anne and Peter Thorp
Thomas and Jennifer Werbe
Donations between
$1,000 and $1,999
Ronald and Jeryl Abelmann
in honor of and with
thanks to Stan and
Sharon Meresman
Robert and Susan Bolgard
Katharine Comstock
David and Cynthia Demers
Lyman and Beverly Hamilton
Carlin and Pattee Jardine
Bill and Jeanne Landreth
Joe and Sheila Mark
Shirley and Wayne Moon
New England Foundation
for the Arts
Pam Pollace
Rotary Club of
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Bob and Karen Scott
Terry and Kay Sullivan
The Thomas Werbe Family
Charitable Gift Fund
Kathy and Dan Yost
Donations up to
$999
Anonymous
Jason Appler
Dan Baldwin and
Anne Ylvisaker
Elliot Bender in honor of
Rose Bender, a jazz lover
Joan Bernardin
Agha and Naheed Bilal
Ron and Linda Borgman
Gloria Souza and
Sandie Borthwick
Helen Breck in honor of
Sue McCloud
Chandler and Kimberly Briggs
Donna Buchholz
Mike and Nancy Canning
Tom and Melody Carrato
Cindy Cass
Thomas and Maryann Conmy
John and Lily Crawley
Erik and Kristin Cushman
Dar and Ellie Datwyler
Mary Delfino
Susan Ditzler
Sid and Merv Dorr
Susan Draper
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence
Easterling, Jr.
G. Robert Evans
Richard Falge
Melvin and Susan Gorelick
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Greene
Phillip and Yvonne Grinstead
Sara Harkins
Lawrence Harris, Jr. and
Jane B. Harris
Charitable Trust
Dallas Harrison
Adrienne S. Herman
John and Jacque Jarve
Carolyn and Bob Jenkins
Michael Jennings
Sally Jewett and Tom Brocato
Marston R. Keating in honor
of Jim and Gloria Didion
Norma Keleher
Shelley Kroapf
Joan Kuchta
Ellen Lau
Daniel Lawrence
Karen Letendre
Timothy Lewis
Abe Livchitz
Ed Lohmann
Skip and Liz Lord
Peg and Ed Magner
Ryan and Rosanna
McCormick
Michael L. McMahan
Ken and Francine Meadors
Pam Meeks
Fred and Phyllis Meurer
Avril Meyer
David and Deborah Miller
Michael Minafo
Shanon and Regan
Mornhinweg
Wallace and Jacqueline
Moser
Scott and Deberra O’Brien
Steve and Ann Packer
Dr. and Mrs.
Stephen B. Pakula
Jimmy and Carrie Panetta
Svetlana Pavlov
Steve and Betsey Pearson
John and Pam Pfeiffer
Graham and Laurrie Pike
Placzek Family Foundation
Jim Plourd
Rob and Stacey Profeta
Janet and Neils Reimers
Lee and Shirley Rosen
Amy Roth, Ph.D. and
Jack Van Valkenburg
Susan Roux
Chi-Cha Russo
Christine Sandin
Bill and Gail Scearce in honor
of Sue McCloud
David and Karen Sharp in
honor of Sue McCloud for
her dedication to Sunset
Center and her years of
service to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Ham and Faye Shirvani
Paul Tag
Terry Teplitzky
Verna Test-Parsons in honor
of Charlene Parsons
Mose Thomas
Laureen Weaver and
Carl Conrad
Weston Photography, Inc.
Scholarship Fund
Ken and Jean White
Charles and Theresa Williams
Leslie Willis
Chips and Crete Wood
Paul and Elizabeth
Wrightman
Bradley Zeve
In-Kind Donations
65 Degree Magazine
American International
Transportation Services
Aubergine Restaurant at
L’Auberge Carmel
Chef Mark Ayers
Chef Soerke Peters,
Basil Seasonal Dining
Chef Brad Briske, la Balena
Jason and Melissa Burnett
Carmel International
Film Festival
Carmel Plant Tenders
Carmel Valley Coffee
Roasting Company
Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire
Department
Larry and CeCe Chazen
Chic Event Rentals
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Conrad | Asturi Studios Inc.
Diane Danvers Simmons,
Own it Feel it Live it
David Fink
Chef Todd Fisher
Joe Fletcher, Crescent Bay
Entertainment
The Forge in the Forest
Jack Galante,
Galante Vineyards
Mary and DeWitt Gifford
Chef Kurt Grasing and
Christine Chin
Grasing’s Coastal Cuisine
Anita and Dave Gryska
Jack and Stephanie Harkness
Hofsas House
Homes and Land
Monterey County
Il Fornaio
Russell Joyce, Joyce Vineyards
L’Auberge Carmel
Elece and Tom Leverone
Sam and Coralee Linder,
Sam Linder Auto Group
Marich Pemium Chocolates
Liam Mayclem,
The Foodie Chap
Mirabel Hotel and
Restaurant Group
Monterey Meringues
Mundaka Restaurant
Pacific Coast Catering
Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Secretary Leon E. and
Mrs. Sylvia M. Panetta
Panetta Institute for
Public Policy
Bill Parsons, Parsonage
Village Vineyard
Pebble Beach Company
Foundation
Judie and Bob Profeta
Fermin Sanchez,
Valley Hills Deli and BBQ
Denise and Gerry Schwartzel
Seventh and Dolores
Charles and Leslie Snorf
Square, Inc.
The Marketing
Department, Inc.
Weber Goldsmith Gallery
Every effort has been made
to ensure the accuracy of the
information presented here.
Should there be an error,
please accept our apologies
and notify us so we can make
the correction.
10
Community Support
Community Support
Volunteers are critical to Sunset Center’s operations. They usher, take tickets, and are a friendly and helpful presence
in our theater most weekends of the year. Beyond offering assistance for performances, Sunset Center Volunteers help
with important administrative work in our office, greet guests in the Marjorie Evans Gallery, provide help with free
community events, and more. Thank you, Volunteers!
Barbara Andruzak
Brooke Bailey
Carolyn Balfe
Bernice Bender
Jane Britton
Debbie Busch
Gene Chu
Pat Clark
Bob Condry
Mary Condry
Marty Craig
StephanieCullen
Patricia Dally
Carol Daly
Michael Dickinson
Gary Dillon
Audrey Doocy
Larry Doocy
Roberta Dooley
Amy Eitoku
Susan Elliger
Susan Estes
Barbara J.Evans
Jane Felton
Jeannie Ferrara
Kit Franke
Gael Gallagher
Jayne Gasperson
Dick Grimmer
Sandy Grimmer
Earl Grizzell
Janet Grizzell
Chris Heimer
Holly Heimer
Kitako Henderson
Susan Hovermale
Susan Hutchins
Heidi Irvin
Sara Ivie
Barbara Johnson
Eldred Johnston
Marie Killian
Elfi Kluck
Antonia Krol
Joan Lam
Jesalee LaPatra
Rick Lawlor
Pamela Lawrence
StephanieLawrence
Lynn Learch
Terry Lee
Natalie Lovick
Nayana Lowery
Elizabeth May
Margie McLaughlin
Noel Mills
James Moberg
Ron Nelson
Judy Piper
Agnes Pontius
Linda Radon
William Ramsey
Margaret Rand
Nita Robbins
RosemaryRobert
Constance Rose
Richard Rosenbaum
Amela Sadagic
Ellie Satow
Elizabeth Sebring
Bonnie Sleeper
Imogene Speiser
Keiko Suga
Jo Surbeck
Illia Thompson
Shirley Thompson
Georganne Thurston
Joan Van Loben Sels
Shirley Walsh
Robert Webb
Barbara Wells
Lloyd Wells
Gerry West
LaVerne Whitmill
Theresa Williams
Deb Wilson-Vandenberg
We would be remiss if we did not express sincere gratitude to the residents and
leadership of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, our most important and trusted
partners since the formation of Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. in 2003. A Cityowned building, Sunset Center relies heavily upon the support of both City staff
and the taxpaying citizens of Carmel. We strive to utilize the resources given
to us ever more responsibly and efficiently, as stewards of this magnificent
and historic local resource. Guided by our Mission, Operating Principals, new
Strategic Plan, and the knowledge that we owe a great debt to the residents and
officials of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sunset Center is poised to expand our operations
in order to provide enhanced offerings to all our visitors.
Economic Impact of Sunset Center
Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing the arts through advocacy and
research, offers a tool to enable communities to determine the economic impact of their local nonprofit arts and
culture organizations. Using figures computed from the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Calculator, Sunset Center
is shown to have had a significant impact on the local economy during FY 2014-15. The Center supported 138
full-time equivalent jobs in the immediate area and generated over $4.1 million in audience spending!
2014-2015 Sunset Center Sponsors and Partners
Our Sunset Center sponsors and partners are due a hearty thank you. Whether a local innkeeper providing
comfortable lodging for one of our artists, a winery making fabulous refreshments possible in our Bravo! Member
Lounge, or a foundation providing critical funding for Classroom Connections, we appreciate your continued support.
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
10 Ways to Support the Arts in Your Community
1. Become a Bravo! Member – As a Bravo! Member you receive a wide variety of exclusive benefits,including ticket
pre-sale privileges, access to the private Bravo! Member Lounge, fee waivers, and more.
2. Name a Seat – Take your seat in the spotlight by having your name, or the name of a loved one, inscribed on a
plaque on a seat in our theater. Celebrate this Centennial year by leaving a legacy where the magic happens!
3. Sponsor a Performance – Demonstrate your commitment to the arts while reaching a highly desirable audience
with your name or brand.
4. Join Our Spotlight Plan – Make a monthly contribution efficiently and easily through our automatic payment plan
and help provide Sunset Center with a reliable stream of income for our programs.
5. Donate Your Vehicle – Have a used car, truck, boat, RV, or motorcycle that you no longer use? Consider donating
it to benefit Sunset Center’s programs. Visit our website to learn more.
6. Honor a Loved One – Make an honor or memorial gift to Sunset Center in the name of a cherished family member
as a celebration of their life or a wonderful birthday or anniversary gift.
7. Exhibit Your Art – Inquire with [email protected] to find out about art exhibition opportunities in our
Marjorie Evans Gallery.
8. Plan Your Gift – Include Sunset Center in your estate planning and leave a bequest to our organization.
9. Volunteer – Learn how to become a Volunteer at an upcoming Volunteer Orientation.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
10. Follow Us on Social Media – Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for articles, trivia, photos of
our events, and more. Join in on the fun! Check in, tag us, and like us.
11
Hotel Partners
Adobe Inn
Carmel Boutique Inns
Carmel Country Inn
Carmel Lodge
Coachman’s Inn
Cypress Inn
Forest Lodge
Happy Landing Inn
Hofsas House
Horizon Inn
Lamp Lighter Inn
L’Auberge Carmel
Pine Inn
Tally Ho Inn
Tradewinds Carmel
The Vagabond’s House Inn
Restaurant Partners
Aubergine Restaurant at L’Auberge
Basil Seasonal Dining
Brophy’s Tavern
Classic Catering
The Forge in the Forest Restaurant
Grasing’s Coastal Cuisine
Il Fornaio Restaurant & Bakery
Mundaka Restaurant
Terry’s Lounge at Cypress Inn
Foundation Support
Arts Council of Monterey County
Community Foundation
for Monterey County
Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation
New England Foundation for the Arts
The Robert S. and
Grayce B. Kerr Foundation
Western States Arts Federation
Bravo! Business Partners
Anton & Michel
Basil Seasonal Dining
Brophy’s Tavern
Carmel Plaza
Chic Event Rentals
Coachman’s Inn
The Forge in the Forest Restaurant
Grasing’s Coastal Cuisine
The Grill on Ocean Avenue
Hahn Family Wines
Happy Landing Inn
Hofsas House
Il Fornaio Restaurant & Bakery
Le St. Tropez
Pine Inn
Tally Ho Inn
12
Financial Viability
Top Talent
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography
Staff
Connect With Us!
Christine Sandin – Executive Director
Subscribe to our e-newsletter via our website
Agha Bilal – Finance Director
Fabia Massaro – Box Office Manager
Christie Balestrieri – Ticket Sales Associate
www.sunsetcenter.org
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/SunsetCenter
Rya Iverson – Ticket Sales Associate
Barbara Davison– Development Manager
Alexandra Richardson – Outreach & Marketing Manager
Gina Delli-Gatti – Marketing & Administrative Coordinator
Mary Carrieri – Event Manager
Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/sunsetcenter
Follow us on Instagram
www.instagram.com/sunset_cultural_center
Sasha Swift –Event Coordinator
Charles Williams – House Manager
Rollie Weaver – Operations Director
Michael Jayko – Production Manager
Ed Cahoon – Operations Assistant
Jose Colocho – Facility Maintenance
Mauricio Castro – Facility Staff
Maria Saenz – Facility Staff
Photo: Patrice Ward
San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Box Office: 831.620.2048
Administrative Office: 831.620.2040
www.sunsetcenter.org
13
This report is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink.
PO Box 1950 • Carmel, CA 93921
www.sunsetcenter.org
Photo: Michelle Magdalena Photography