From the Paso Robles Daily News (January 2, 2016):
Paso Artsfest has announced its honoree for the 2016 event. Steve Cass, owner of Cass Winery and the driving force behind the Paderewski Festival and a new symphony event, will be feted by friends and family at the festival’s annual fundraiser, “Sweet Art,” on Feb. 9.
The festival, now in its eighth year, celebrates a community member each year during this special fundraiser. The emcee for Sweet Art is KSBY news anchor Dan Shadwell and community leader Dee Lacey will speak about Steve Cass’s contributions to the arts in Paso Robles.
“Each year we look for an honoree who represents Paso Robles art or philanthropy,” said Barbara Partridge, event chair. “Steve Cass is unrivaled in his support of the arts in Paso Robles. His winery is always filled with art and music, he has put years into the development and promotion of the Paderewski Festival and he is currently planning a special Fourth of July concert to be held in Paso Robles. His past support of Artsfest includes sponsorship, catering, wine donations and overall support that makes it possible for the largest art festival on the Central Coast to remain free to the public each year. If you’ve met Steve, you know how much he values the arts and Paso Robles. We are thrilled to honor him at Sweet Art.”
Cass says, “What I’ve seen is that young athletes and students have the opportunity to earn scholarships, but those don’t exist to the same extent for young artists. Since schools have had to cut arts programs more and more, I feel it’s important for the private sector to provide opportunity for artists of all ages, especially young people. Art enriches a community and you never know who will come up with a life-changing idea because they were encouraged to be creative as a child. We are beyond fortunate to get to experience Paso Artsfest every year and it’s an honor to support it.”
The annual Sweet Art fundraiser is being held on Feb. 9, from Noon to 2 p.m. at Studios on the Park in downtown Paso Robles. All proceeds from the Sweet Art luncheon go to the festival. Sweet Art is the single largest source of funds for the festival outside of sponsorships. Since 2009, the Sweet Art fundraiser has raised over $145,000 for the festival.
To attend the luncheon or make a donation to the festival on behalf of Steve Cass, contact Sasha Irving at Studios on the Park by calling (805) 238-9800.
For more information, go to www.PASOARTSFEST.com.
[Source: studiosonthepark.org]