Donor Spotlights

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Honoring the Dedication of Leslie Ray and Michael Bernstein

We are incredibly grateful to Leslie and Michael Bernstein, whose steadfast support and generosity for nearly a decade has elevated ArtsFund’s mission. As two of our most dedicated individual donors, Leslie and Michael have also played an essential role in the success of ArtsFund’s annual Celebration of the Arts gatherings, bringing both enthusiasm and leadership to this cornerstone celebration.

Their commitment goes beyond financial contributions. As an active member of ArtsFund’s Development and Governance Committees, Leslie has generously dedicated time and talent to champion and amplify ArtsFund’s impact on uplifting and unifying the entire arts and culture sector. Leslie has also actively engaged in ArtsFund’s programs such as Board Leadership Training and joined other arts supporters and staff to engage in Arts & Heritage Day in Olympia, WA. There, she worked alongside fellow arts advocates, cultural organizations, and staff from across Washington to champion the importance of capital funding for arts infrastructure, ensuring the continued vitality of the arts across Washington State.

As passionate art collectors and arts advocates, Leslie and Michael continue to inspire us all through their unwavering support and dedication, and we thank them for acknowledging the importance of the arts in creating healthy and vibrant communities.

Celebrating the Legacy of Bill and Margi Beyers

We are deeply grateful for the lasting legacy of William “Bill” and Margaret “Margi” Beyers, whose generous bequest has made an extraordinary impact on our work in 2024 and continues to shape the future of ArtsFund and the arts community. Bill’s passing in February 2022 and Margi’s in November 2023 leave behind not only cherished memories but also a profound legacy that will benefit the arts for years to come.

For over thirty years, Bill and Margi were meaningful supporters of ArtsFund and their contributions toward our programs will be remembered with great affection. Margi, a talented visual artist and ceramist, believed in how passion for artmaking uplifts and inspires others to support artistic work. A graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, her work can be found in schools throughout Pierce County where it continues to inspire future generations.

Bill, a former Professor and Chair of the University of Washington’s Department of Geography, is particularly remembered for his instrumental contributions of time and talent to develop a unique economic impact model for ArtsFund’s economic impact studies – later also used to shape ArtsFund’s COVID research initiatives – which helped establish ArtsFund’s role as a leader in sector research. As recollected by staff, his work had a particular effect on how research and data is used to tell the story of the sector’s impact, a remaining part of ArtsFund’s vital advocacy work.

Together, Margi and Bill enjoyed making pizza in their onsite kiln and traveling to countries like Bangladesh, India, Peru, Mexico, and Morocco.

We honor Bill and Margi’s extraordinary contributions and the enduring impact they have had on ArtsFund and the arts community. Their legacy is a testament to the power of generosity and love for the arts.

If you are inspired by their example, consider joining ArtsFund’s planned giving society, the ArtsFund Luminaries. You can learn more about the luminaries here.

Partnering with Williams across Washington State

ArtsFund is proud to partner with Williams to support communities across Washington State through access to the arts. Williams is committed to being involved in the Washington communities in which the company operates, encompassing 24 counties statewide. ArtsFund supports arts and cultural organizations across 100% of Williams’ operating area, with grantmaking and capacity-building programs benefiting arts groups in 37 out of 39 Washington counties last year.

Thanks to the efforts of ArtsFund supporter and Williams employee Clay Gustaves, Williams has generously sponsored ArtsFund’s annual Celebration of the Arts event since 2023 through its Homegrown Giving Grant Program, an initiative allowing Williams team members to nominate local nonprofits. In 2024, Williams increased its investment in the arts in Washington by additionally awarding ArtsFund a meaningful Annual Grant, supporting ArtsFund’s core leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking programs.

Thanks in part to Williams’ increased support in 2024:

– ArtsFund’s trainings and convenings provided free professional development resources to arts workers in more than 90 different Washington zip codes.

– ArtsFund’s Board Leadership Training program developed board leaders in communities throughout the state including Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Spokane, Bellingham, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Olympia, and more, as well as the greater Seattle and Tacoma Metro areas.

– ArtsFund increased the geographic diversity of its grantmaking, with 20% of the 800+ organizations that received funding from ArtsFund last year serving rural communities.

Through its investment in ArtsFund, Williams helps ensure that the benefits of the arts – supporting youth and families, growing local economies, reducing social isolation, and enhancing health and community wellness – reach all Washingtonians, in every community in which Williams employees live and work. ArtsFund thanks Williams for the company’s support for the arts, and we look forward to continued partnership in service of healthy communities statewide!