We wrapped up our anniversary celebration by asking for your help to triple a $30,000 matching challenge from The Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation Challenge, and wow, did you show up! We raised just over $102,000 during our fundraising drive, more than tripling the match!

As we celebrate 30 years, we see the generational impact Hilltop Artists has made possible—thanks to supporters like you. You helped us rise to the challenge and meet the goals for the Better Futures Luncheon and year end campaign.

With your support, we’ll continue to expand programs, forge partnerships, and reach even more young people. Stay tuned for our 2025 plans as we continue this journey together.

Thank you for investing in our legacy and providing safe, creative spaces where students thrive as artists, leaders, and changemakers.

Since 1994, Hilltop Artists has been a haven of creativity and self-discovery for young people in our community.

We believe in the transformative power of art and, over three decades, our programs have given many thousands of students a chance to explore their potential, learn resilience, and experience a true sense of belonging.

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re still celebrating our 30th anniversary and our many accomplishments to date and, as we look forward to our next 30 years, we’re determined to carry on our tuition-free programs.

CLICK TO MAKE YOUR MATCHING GIFT

I know you care about our success and sustainability, that’s why you are receiving this message. I also know you understand how challenging it is to maintain and grow a nonprofit arts organization.

This year, we increased our budget by 15% in order to build capacity, which addresses our goal to grow the organization, and also addresses very real expenses. These include the rising cost of program supplies, compression from an increasing minimum wage, changes to employment laws, and the high cost of living that impacts our staff and students.

To help us meet these challenges, our year end goal is to raise $90,000. The Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation have generously pledged $30,000 as a match incentive toward the donations we receive between now and December 31st! In the words of Leslie Chihuly:

“Hilltop Artists offers a nurturing community where students can express themselves through art making and glassblowing—where they can develop, explore their creativity, build connections, and find a lasting source of inspiration and resilience. It’s our great honor to continue to support Hilltop and the incredible work they are doing to transform lives through art.”

Our students and alumni are best able to describe that transformative work that Leslie Chihuly mentioned. Recently, Oliver, one of our Team Production students, said: “I want to do this for a living. I want to do this for my whole life. It’s become such a big part of my life: how I make my work, how I see my work. I need to do this for the rest of my life.”

GIVE TODAY

Katie, also in Team Production, said “we all have a great time while we’re working [together]. The program has helped a lot of kids, over the years, find an outlet for themselves. Even if you’re not wanting to be a glassblower for life, it’s great because it teaches you all of the life skills you’re gonna need. And being with so many instructors and so many kids that are in the same place as you, they’re just trying to learn new things, it’s a super nice way to grow.”

Help us triple this generous gift from The Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation. Your support will help Hilltop Artists meet the needs of young people and bring the transformative power of art to even more youth.

We have big plans to continue to grow our programs, build partnerships, and serve more young people (and maybe a few not-quite-as-young people)… we can’t wait to share more about our strategies in 2025, so stay tuned!

Together, we can continue to grow this legacy of providing safe, creative spaces where students thrive and see themselves as artists, leaders, and changemakers.

We’re honored to take on this matching challenge, so let’s take this opportunity to triple The Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation’s momentous gift!

Thank you for showing our youth how much you care by making a donation today! 

MAKE YOUR DONATION

 

As we look to the future, our costs continue to rise alongside our commitment to our students. Making a gift to Hilltop Artists is more important than ever. And we’ve now made it easier than ever to give in the way that makes the most sense to you:

• Join our Murrini Club and give an automated monthly donation
• Donate a qualified charitable deduction/required minimum distribution from your IRA
• Make a one-time cash donation
• Designate a gift through a donor-advised fund or private family foundation
• Donate stock