The party is on as film fest’s McNeely honored as 2021 Muse

The Sonoma Community Center has named Kevin McNeely, the artistic of the Sonoma Valley International  Festival, as its 2021 MUSE — an honor presented at the Center’s signature fundraising benefit on Saturday, August 14.

The event has a 14-year tradition recognizes a Valley figure who embodies the Community Center’s mission of cultivating a vibrant community through extraordinary creative, cultural, and learning experiences. 

“Kevin McNeely has a long history of creative and impactful engagement with this community and we’re thrilled to be able to honor his many contributions,” said Charlotte Hajer, the Center’s executive director.

Also a trustee of the Manitou Fund in Sonoma, McNeely has a rich and longstanding history of creative engagement and philanthropic efforts, she said, making him a natural selection for this year’s benefit.

“The MUSE is our most meaningful event of the year, not only because it helps us raise significant funds to support the Center’s world-class programs and events, but even more  importantly, because it’s an opportunity every year to come together and celebrate truly inspiring  individuals who have been making a positive impact in this Valley,” Hajer said. 

The theme of this year’s event is “Sharing the Spotlight,” a nod to McNeely’s reputation for being as generous in sharing the spotlight as he is in his engagement with the community.

The bash, one of the Valley’s first big post-pandemic parties,  takes place on the Sonoma Community Center’s historic campus at 276 E. Napa St.

Attendees of the movie premiere-themed bash will be treated to food and wine, and the talents of local celebrity Ellen Toscano as emcee. 

This celebration of McNeely’s outstanding community service and contributions to the Valley  will also be the Center’s first in-person community fundraiser since its operations shifted to a full  virtual format during the pandemic.

Proceeds from the MUSE support the Center’s ongoing arts and cultural education programming, free community events, and the continuing restoration of the Center’s historic building. 

Check ticket availability for the 5 pm event at sonomacommunitycenter.org/muse

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