In the 1980s and 90s, Ellen Arlinsky, Mary Bloom, and Kate McGarry ushered in a new era at St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC). Mary and Kate served terms as President of the Board during that time, and Ellen is the longest-serving board member in our history – and is still counting at 30 years! Between the three of them, they have over 50 years of board service to SCMC.
This trailblazing trio oversaw the largest capital campaign in the organization’s history up to that point, in addition to the renovation made possible by those funds. They streamlined SCMC’s processes, recruited new board members, refreshed marketing efforts, and so much more. We pay tribute to these three women who helped make SCMC the innovative and professional organization it is today.
The Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala is graciously sponsored by the DeVos Family Foundation.
Event Schedule
5:30pm - Cocktail Hour
6:30pm - Performance in Royce Auditorium
7:00pm - Dinner in the Dexter Ballroom
8:00pm - Presentation to honor Ellen Arlinsky, Mary Bloom, and Kate McGarry
Black Tie Optional
Complimentary Valet Parking
$150 - Single Ticket
$1,200 - 1 Table (8 Seats)
$1,500 - Table Sponsorship with Special Recognition
The Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala is a unique opportunity for your company to show support for women who have blazed a trail in our community through leadership, innovation, and generosity. Sponsorship also includes table seating at the event as well as significant marketing benefits.
Learn More
About Helen DeVos
When you think about the arts in Grand Rapids, it’s impossible not to recognize the impact of Helen DeVos’ legacy. Her deep care for and love of the arts guided her investment of both time and resources and was integral to shaping the cultural landscape of our community.
Mrs. DeVos’s generosity was far-reaching, including transformational gifts to education, health care, and the arts. Specifically, her local and national support for music forever changed the scope and trajectory of many arts organizations, ensuring high-quality music experiences for community members for generations to come.
Mrs. DeVos was well known as a supporter of symphony orchestras and classical music. She served on the board of the Grand Rapids Symphony in numerous capacities since 1971. She served as a member and board member of St. Cecilia Music Center from 1970-1974 and was also board president for part of that time. Mrs. DeVos was an honorary board member of the League of American Orchestras in New York City, for which she served as a board member from 1982-1992.
Combining their passion for arts and education, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation also supported opening the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Arts and Worship at Grand Rapids Christian High School and the DeVos Communications Center at Calvin College.
In 2019, St. Cecilia Music Center inaugurated the first Helen DeVos Legacy Award to celebrate Helen’s contributions to the cultural life of West Michigan. It is presented each year to honor outstanding women who have developed, contributed to, and advocated for supporting and expanding the arts within West Michigan, as Helen did.
To learn more about Helen's incredible legacy, click here.
