Event Is Virtual, But Desserts Are Real At Luther Burbank Benefit

SANTA ROSA, CA — Due to coronavirus mandates, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa will host its 17th annual benefit — The Art of Dessert — as a virtual event from May 3 to May 9.

The event, previously scheduled for April 4, will feature online bidding for artistic desserts, along with wine, art, spa treatments, unique gifts and "one-of-a kind experiences," raising funds to support the center's community efforts and programs, organizers said.

Due to popular demand, the bidding is opening Sunday, May 3 at 12 p.m.

“I am immensely proud of the staff at LBC as they continue to find innovative ways to connect with our community as we shelter in place,” said Rick Nowlin, Luther Burbank Center's president and CEO. “Even with the curtains temporarily drawn, we continue to deliver arts experiences that inspire creativity and expression particularly during times like these. Now more than ever we need your support and hope you will join us from the comfort of your home to help in the success of this essential fundraising event.”

Proceeds will help fund such programs as: educational matinees; free summer camps for music, visual arts, drama and dance; free after-school mariachi ensembles; musical instruments loaned free to children who cannot afford to rent or buy them; free and discounted tickets to educational matinees for low-income and at-risk children with subsidies for student transportation; teaching artists in local classrooms; a free third-grade literacy program for underserved students; free sing-alongs for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; and professional development courses for teachers and teaching artists.

Since its inception in 2003, the "Art of Dessert" has generated more than $4 million and helped LBC to provide arts enrichment to more than 500,000 local children, organizers said.

For information on registering to bid and view auction items, follow this link. Bidding starts Sunday, May 3 at 12 p.m. and closes Sunday, May 9 at 9 p.m.

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