The Fountain Hills Community Foundation is awash in the brilliant colors of cleverly designed, original works of metal-sculpted butterflies as the inaugural Flutter at the Fountain comes out of its chrysalis stage.
As Fountain Hills’ major fundraiser of the year, Flutter is a collaboration between local artists, sponsors, and donors passionate about supporting their community. Participants can view and bid on these one-of-a-kind works of art and other donated items, providing crucial support that benefits non-profits in Fountain Hills.
Changes to the fall fundraiser have been revised to accommodate social distancing, including an online auction, an opportunity for the public to view all 30 one-of-a-kind works of art in an outdoor setting at the Community Garden, and a remote gala, featuring a raffle drawing and surprise guests.
Flutter proceeds are disbursed to local non-profit organizations throughout the community during the Foundation’s spring giving season. The Fountain Hills Community Foundation, now in its 25th year, has given more than $1.2 million to local groups since its founding in 1995.
“There were years past when the Foundation would make as much as $100,000 and then turn those funds around to recipient groups throughout the community. We have a goal—and a plan—to do that as well this year,” says Foundation President, Dori Wittrig. “Obviously, there’s never been a more important year to make this happen.”
BUT FIRST, ART! Local artists were enlisted to decorate 30 aluminum butterfly sculptures, ranging in size from 12” to 36”. Artists have been busy all summer and have now returned their artwork to the Flutter committee. Examples of the butterflies’ magical metamorphosis can be seen on the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
SPONSORS SOUGHT
The committee is currently seeking event sponsors who will select from various packages between $1500 to $10,000, which include “fostering” one of the spectacular pieces of art during the month of October, showcasing a butterfly at their place of business. Sponsors will also be recognized in all Flutter publicity, receive free tickets to events, as well as receive a miniature, custom painted butterfly created by one of the host artists.
Early Sponsors include Fountain View Village, Impact Collision, Farmer’s Insurance/Scott Schlossberg, RE/MAX Sun Properties, The Joe and Patty Lee Foundation, Schader Studios, and Trembley Photography.
Nicole Perkins, Flutter Committee Chair, adds, “We so appreciate our Sponsors who are especially important during these challenging times. Fountain Hills residents and businesses have always been so incredibly caring and generous, and we hope Flutter at the Fountain will give people a chance to donate to a great cause in an innovative, beautiful, and light-hearted atmosphere.”
ON-LINE AUCTION
Beginning in October, an online auction will be launched for all members of the community to bid on their favorite butterfly, a stunning addition to any home or garden. There will also be one spectacular 36” butterfly up for grabs during a month-long raffle.
A SOCIALLY DISTANCED PARTY
The Flutter Gala on November 7th will be a two-part event. Early in the day, all 30 butterflies will be presented together at the Community Garden for public viewing. Tickets will be available to the public, allowing friends and families to reserve blocks of time to stroll amongst the sculptures in a socially distanced environment with live performers and a swag bag of snack items and gifts, perfect for an afternoon picnic.
In the evening, there will be a one-hour Zoom event, co-hosted with the Fountain Hills Theater featuring entertainment, the raffle drawing, surprise guests, and a fun wrap-up to the year’s fundraising efforts.
For more information about sponsorships or events, details can be found at fountainhillsgives.com or e-mail flutter@fountainhillsgives.com. For other inquiries, contact Foundation President Dori Wittrig at 602-558-5901, Nicole Perkins at 602-510-2767 or Jenny Willigrod, 602-318-9618
Here are a few of the many butterflies….More photos to come!
