Business Council for the Arts’ 2018 Leadership Arts Institute class hosted a celebration and fundraising event, Art Heals, on Wednesday, May 1 at Parkland’s WISH Building to support their project of raising funds toward the acquisition of evidence-based art for the newly announced Moody Breast Center at Parkland Hospital.

Co-chairs Allison Batiste and Marian Fielding were joined by more than 125 attendees for the evening, which included cocktails and light bites, a silent auction and entertainment by Orpheus Chamber Singers and Ryan Mulqueen.  A highlight of the evening was a check presentation by the co-chairs, on behalf of the entire Leadership Arts Institute class of 41 individuals, to representatives from the Parkland Foundation.  Through personal donations, sponsorships and proceeds from Art Heals, $35,000 was raised.

Art Heals sponsors included: Diamond ($5,000) - American Airlines; Emerald (($2,500) - Foley Gardere/Foley & Lardner LLP; Haynes & Boone; and Thompson & Knight Foundation; Sapphire ($1,000) – Corgan; Godwin Bowman & Martinez PC; Kastl Law; Beck/Mark Collins; Savanah Hood; Sendero; Vinson & Elkins; Grant Thornton; PwC; and The Craig and Kathryn Hall Foundation; Ruby ($500) - Alison Battiste; Bell Nunnally; Paul Higgins; Betsy and Rick del Monte; Lynne and Sam Butler; Tolleson Wealth Management; Baker Botts and Gensler.

Each year, BCA’s Leadership Arts Institute class plans and executes a class project through the nine-month program.  The project gives participants an opportunity to practice skills they are learning in class, gain leadership experience through a simulated board, learn something new about the community and create a legacy that will leave their mark on North Texas. Classes are available in Dallas and Collin counties.

The 2018 class set a goal of $25,000 to support the acquisition of evidence-based art, which they learned through their research helps to create a healing environment for patients.  As a class they wanted to provide a lasting legacy that will benefit those served by Parkland for many years to come.  

For more information about the Leadership Arts Institute class project, visit www.ntbca.org.