For the second year, the Danforth Museum of Art will hold a fundraising event called Over The Moon benefiting the Deborah D. Blumer Fund, supporter of arts education at the museum. This year's event takes place Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 10 p.m.
The evening includes champagne, chocolates and desserts donated by area vendors as well as art activities, live music and raffles. Visitors will be able to tour many of the museum's galleries.
But, during these tough economic times, the main focus of the event is the need for continued funding of arts education at the Danforth.
"The Blumer Fund is all about education," said museum director Katherine French. "It's part and parcel of what we do."
The fund, honoring state Rep. Debby Blumer who died of a heart attack in 2006, was started by her family shortly after her death. It began primarily for children, said French, but now includes all members of the community.
"Debby Blumer was such a wonderful person and cared deeply about the museum," said French. "She really believed in community...(and) the event is very connected to MetroWest."
Over The Moon "is not only a tribute to Debby Blumer but also to people who believe education is important, art education," she said. According to French, Blumer was an amateur artist who frequently took classes at the Danforth Museum School and passed on the love of education to her family.
"The whole (Blumer) family...really felt strongly about education and that's what the Danforth does."
French believes cuts in funding for art education are damaging. "We really consider it's absolutely essential to be visually acute. Art encourages people to be intellectually creative."
Looking at the donor list shows a range of people and businesses that both support the museum and what Debby Blumer stood for, said French. Major sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, Fidelity Investments and Perini Corp. along with many product sponsors for the event including Bella Cakes, Cocoapelli Chocolates, Terra Brasilis, Whole Foods Market and more.
French said last year's inaugural event raised $40,000 for the Blumer Fund. Their goal is $35,000 this year. Tickets for Saturday's event are still available.
Over The Moon, a fundraiser for the Blumer Fund in support of educational programming at the Danforth Museum of Art, takes place Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the museum, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. Tickets are $60. For more information call 508-620-0050 or visit www.danforthmuseum.org.
