THREE AWARD RECIPIENTS AT THIS YEARS 2022 DINNER WITH THE ARTS

GENEVA – This year, St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy will honor three award recipients at their annual Dinner with the Arts event which takes place Sunday, April 24, 2022.  

Each award winner has had a significant impact on the Academy’s past, present and future. 

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD: Andrea Belding Elson 

Andréa Belding Elson’s passion for the musical arts began in her hometown of Geneva, NY at age six where she studied Suzuki violin. During her youth she was also active in the St Peter’s Community Choir. Andrea studied violin under the tutelage of such instructors as Janis Butler, Sanford Reuning, and Linda Case of Ithaca Talent Education.   Andréa made her professional concerto debut with the CPO performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto in December 2004. Andréa continued violin studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) under David Russell earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance.

Ms. Belding returned to CIM earning a Master of Music degree in both Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy under the direction of Stephen Rose, principal second violin of the Cleveland Orchestra, and Kimberly Meier-Sims, director of the Sato Center for Suzuki Studies. She has participated in numerous summer music festivals including the Encore School for Strings and Kent/Blossom Music. Belding teaches violin and viola lessons through the Aurora School of Music and also teaches privately in the Bay Village and Cleveland Heights areas.

Andréa is grateful for having grown up in Geneva’s rich musical environment with so many supportive teachers and kind friends.  She is very thankful for all her mentors and the wonderful musicians she has had the opportunity to play with over the years.

COMMUNITY AWARD for Extraordinary Support for Music and the Arts: The Brenda and Dave  Rickey Foundation

The Brenda and Dave Rickey Foundation is a private grant-making organization focused on providing high-impact investments to charities that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Tax Code.  Their target beneficiaries mainly include educational and health-related initiatives, but it also considers broader community-driven needs. A few recipients of the foundation’s generosity include the Geneva YMCA, a new mammography unit and Emergency room at Geneva General Hospital, The Boys & Girls Club, DeSales High School, mine and Dave’s alma mater, The Geneva Public Library, and many more.

Brenda and Dave Rickey’s generosity has made an enormous impact on our community.  St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy is extremely grateful.

WITH GRATITUDE:  Michael Colvin and Beef and Brew Restaurant

Michael Colvin first became involved in the restaurant business in the early 1970’s at his family’s restaurant. The Rib Pit and Beef and Brew in Canandaigua.  After working at Thendara restaurant as a teen, Michael was the banquet manager at Top of the Plaza restaurant in Rochester while attending Nazareth College.  He spent his spring breaks with Habitat for Humanity and was a member of Big 

Brothers and Sisters at Nazareth College where he learned the joy of service to others. After graduation, he opened his first restaurant, The Sun Garden Grille at the Waterloo outlet mall.  After closing the Grille he opened the Beef & Brew in Geneva in 2011. 

Michael, with his partner Troy Slocum, have been involved with St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy for many years.  2010 marks Michael’s first fundraising dinner for SPCAA’s piano studio to create a keyboard lab.  The dinner expanded into a fundraising event for the entire Academy and Michael has donated and prepared the food for all but one year since 2012.  Michael is involved with the Seneca 7 race in Geneva. Michael uses the money earned through that endeavor to support the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy Choir trip abroad. Michael also supports many local and regional groups with similar fundraisers and donations.

The 11th Annual DINNER WITH THE ARTS happening April 24th.  This year, attendees will come  INSIDE  the church where you will be welcomed by background music provided by members of the faculty.  You will also be offered a charcuterie box and a glass of wine to enjoy when the short showcase performance begins featuring the many talents of our students.  After the performance, pick up your 4 Course Gourmet Meal to take  OUTSIDE  and enjoy at your home!

FOR RESERVATIONS – Go online https://stpetersarts.org/giving/dinner-with-the-arts/

and select your Time Slot and Dinner choices  OR  call us @ 315-789-0106.

Time Slot choices for Entertainment and Take Out are:   4:30 p.m./ 5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. Background musical welcome provided by Piano Instructor, Meg Sawyer.

Showcase performances from String Explorers group, a piano student, guitar duets and a Ballet performance.

5:30 p.m. Background musical welcome provided by Strings Instructors-Glenna Curren, Ellen Sonnenberg and Trevor Burrall.  Showcase performances from a violin student, cello student,  piano student and a Tap Class.

6:30 p.m. Background musical welcome provided by Piano instructor, Troy Slocum.

Showcase performances from a piano student, voice student, violin student  and the St. Peter’s Community Senior Choir.

AND DON’T FORGET OUR ANNUAL VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION

The auction goes live April 15th and will close at 9:00 p.m. on April 25th.

https://spcaa.betterworld.org/auctions/spcaa-11th-silent-auction.    Scroll through dozens of items and experiences showcased in this year’s auction.   Winners will be notified via email on April 25th once the auction has closed.