One Night, One Groovy Cause

One Night, One Groovy Cause

The Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation invited their supporters to "Come Together" on Sept 19, 2026 at the Quick Center for the Arts on North Benson Road on the campus of Fairfield University. The 24th annual gala event "Evening for the Arts" allows the non-profit to encourage the next generation of artists.

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The gala always begins with an hour-long reception at 6:30pm, which allows attendees to preview all of the raffle opportunities as they enjoy light refreshments. Some were able to bid on silent auction items, while others purchased a Mystery Bag, which guaranteed a gift card that matched the value of their donation. Attendees had the opportunity to collect a piece of Jamie's artwork, as well as to add a Jamie Hulley Foundation t-shirt to their wardrobe.

Flowers, tie-dye, and good vibes were encouraged and a handful of ticket-holders dressed for the occasion.

Promptly at 7:30pm, attendees moved from the Quick Center lobby into the theater for the performance by "Jay Stollman's Groovin' On Tour: … A Woodstock Generation Rock Experience." Peter Charney opened the performance in his role as co-host, and Judy Primavera, the Foundation's Board President, stepped in for her daughter Kari Hulley Nardone as a co-host.

Act 1 began with a brief introduction to the mission and the work of the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation and was followed by a performance by the featured performers.

Stollman's group was the headline act for the Foundation's 24th Annual Evening for the Arts Gala. It proved to be a powerful live concert experience celebrating the songs, artists, and spirit that defined a generation. This concert featured a collection of the iconic songs that became the soundtrack for life in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Jay Stollman leads the group on vocals and Veronica Martell shares the vocalist duties. "Hollywood" Steve Gaspar covers the keyboards. Ric Cunningham wails on the sax, Jeremy Goldsmith and David Coe play guitar and Scott Spray plays bass. Lito Luzzi plays drums.

CSNY's "Woodstock" was the perfect way to open the show. The other first act tunes included "Somebody to Love," Stephen Stills' "Love the One You're With," "The Letter," Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move," "When Will I Be Loved?," "A Whiter Shade of Pale," and "Fortunate Son"
by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Stollman brought some young performers to the stage to help sing "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" and "California Dreamin," both of which were written long before they were born.

After the 20-minute intermission, the co-hosts led the Match Challenge, with bidding for donations for specific programs that the Foundation provides. Each large printed program had a unique number written on the back page to facilitate the bidding process. The fundraising was followed by more Woodstock Generation hits by "Groovin' On Tour."

The audience got back into the groove for The Who's "Pinball Wizard" "White Rabbit," "You're So Vain," "Black Magic Woman," "Me and Bobby Megee," "Hotel California" and "Without Love."

The hippies in training joined in for "Happy Together" and the encore "With a Little Help from My Friends." One young woman, Stillman's niece, soloed on Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart,"

At the end of the second act, attendees were able to find out if they had won something. A list of guest bidder numbers who won raffle or silent auction items were available in the lobby. Winners were asked to pick up items they had won before leaving.

A long list of businesses helped the Foundation by donating items, placing one of the many program ads or sharing their professional talents.Thanks also went to the Foundation School and Theater family and many more individuals and families who donated gift cards and other items.

The Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation provides opportunities for young artists and early career professionals to expand their artistic talent and to pursue their dreams. "After all, what would you want with small dreams?"

A generous local family foundation has offered $10,000 in matching funds. If you would like to help them win the $10,000 matching funds, there is still time. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Mail check to: P.O. Box 1208, Orange, CT 06477, VENMO: @Jamie-Hulley-Foundation-3 jamiehulleyartsfund.org

Jamie's family celebrated her Heavenly birthday the day after the gala. Next year, the Foundation will sponsor "Keep the Arts Blooming 2027," the 7th annual gift card raffle. "Take a chance–win big!" And save the date for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2027 for the 25th Anniversary Gala "Evening for the Arts."