HEART FOR GIVING
The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley awarded its highest honor, the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Award to Julia and David Gardner of David Gardner’s Jewelers, last Thursday at the Celebrate the Arts Gala at the Brazos Expo Complex in Bryan. This very special award is given to a select few individuals who have proven again and again, over many years, exemplary support of the arts, culture, and heritage of the Brazos Valley.
“We are so honored to have been chosen to received such a incredible award,” said David Gardner. “Having been involved with the Arts Council for literally decades and in varying capacities, we understand the importance of this award and are humbled to be in the company of such incredible individuals.”
Julia and David Gardner have become well known for their philanthropic efforts with hundreds of community and student organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. Their heart for partnering with organizations to multiply the value of the donated piece through auctions and raffles has lead to significant impact in our community.
“The positive impact that David and Julia have on Brazos Valley nonprofit organizations is immeasurable,” said Arts Council CEO Chris Dyer. “Through their leadership and generosity, the Gardners challenge you to overachieve while backing you with their full support, resulting in countless success stories for community organizations through the years. The D.A. “Andy” Anderson award is The Arts Council’s lifetime achievement award in the arts, which is a testament to David and Julia’s selfless work in making the quality of life in the Brazos Valley the best that the state has to offer.”
Most recently, David Gardner served on The Arts Council Board of Directors for two consecutive three-year terms (2010-2016). He was the chair of the Business Membership Committee and helped create and implement the Business Membership program. He also played a huge role in establishing positive relationships for The Arts Council with the local business community.
About The Arts Council
For over 45 years The Arts Council has served the community with one mission: to make artistic opportunities accessible to all residents and visitors of the Brazos Valley through impactful arts promotion, funding, advocacy, and partnership building programs. The Arts Council is a multifaceted organization supporting over 60 affiliate arts and cultural organizations, 300,000 residents in 7 counties, Texas A&M University, Blinn College, and over 3.5 million Brazos Valley regional visitors annually. The Arts Council is dedicated to providing leadership in the arts by maintaining and strengthening an arts and culture-friendly community with the vision of making the quality of life in the Brazos Valley the best the state has to offer.
For more information about The Arts Council visit www.acbv.org.
