Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Purple Tie: Thank You From Fine Arts
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Purple Tie: Thank You From Fine Arts

Kim Tunnell | April 10, 2023 | 696 views

The annual Purple Tie fundraising event is an incredible piece of the support that the fine arts programs receive from our community. This yearly event is led by the leadership of our Parent Council and booster organizations, and the funding provided by parents and other community members via this annual event is a viable piece of what we are able to accomplish in our fine arts experiences each year. We are so grateful for this support!

“Arts education is a core part of shaping a well-rounded student, and the funds we receive from the Purple Tie Fundraiser are critical in helping create and maintain robust programs," said current Fine Arts Booster Club President Ali Booker. "The generosity and kindness of our donors mean everything to the department and the kids they serve."

Each year, the Fine Arts Booster Club provides us with a budgeted amount to support each of our programs in the communication, performing and visual Arts. Most, if not all, of these funds support and enhance the student experience above the amount provided by our budgets. This allows us to provide an enriching experience in the arts for all students.

Here is a list of the annual elements of support from the Fine Arts Booster Club that come from the funds raised at Purple Tie each year and some galleries that show examples of these student experiences:

Fall for the Arts

Fall Play Production Costs  

Pre-K to 8 Holiday Festival Support

Winter Musical Off-Campus Production Costs  

Thatcher Hall Spring Musical Production Costs

Class Play Production Support

Art Exhibit, Concert Support and Receptions

Student Travel Costs 

Guest Artists and Clinicians

Fine Arts Awards and Special Recognitions

Additionally, fine arts was so fortunate to be the first recipient of the Purple Tie “Raise the Paddle” benefit in 2019, and these donations supported all of our fine arts programs and the purchase of specific equipment to improve the overall quality of student experience. These funds offered the opportunity for upgrades in classrooms and spaces around campus that allow for us to continue to use these areas in the most creative ways possible. 

  • Thatcher Wireless Portable Sound System
  • Portable Expanded Sound System for Concerts and Performances
  • Mechanical Lift in Zelle Black Box Theatre
  • Thatcher Hall Kiln Replacement
  • Pipe and Drape for All Campus Use
  • Audio Visual System in Black Box Theatre
  • Organ Repair in Morris Chapel
  • Prop and Set Storage Upgrade in Zelle Black Box Theatre Attic
  • Camera and Accessories for Communication Arts
  • Chair and Stand Carts for Performing Arts
  • Visual Art Furniture Replacement
  • Thatcher Music Room Cart and Carpet

Fine arts projects and events moved a little slower in 2020 and, as a result, there was some time and energy to consider what needs could be addressed once performances and experiences could resume without the limits of the pandemic. The booster club and program directors continue to think about the spaces that can benefit from additional equipment, upgrading or just overall enhancements.

We will continue in the coming months to wrap up the following projects:

  • Porter and Thatcher Practice Room and Studio Doors
  • Special Event Fine Arts Backdrop
  • Thatcher Hall Production Costs 
  • Scrim Purchase for Productions in Zelle Black Box Theatre
  • Keyboard Lab Upgrade
  • Morgan Pavilion Sound System
  • Arts Academy Lessons Program Pianos
  • Staging and Riser Improvements

In closing, I want to thank everyone in our community for your support of the fine arts both through the annual Purple Tie fundraiser and in general. We could not provide these amazing experiences for our students without you! 

Please save the date for the 2023 Purple Tie event on Saturday, Aug. 12.