When guests arrive at Tryon Fine Arts Center ready for a gala evening of holiday cheer on Thursday, Dec. 5, they will be supporting operations for the 45-year-old arts organization as well as spreading warmth to a larger community.
Party guests will bring new pairs of children’s shoes to be distributed this holiday season through Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.
Wyndy Morehead, chair of the annual holiday fundraising event, suggested adding this outreach in the spirit of the season, as well as in the Swiss-themed flavor of the party.
“The Europeans leave gifts in the shoes of the children at Christmas-time,” said Morehead.  “We can’t do that, but we can give a gift of shoes to children in our community who need them.”
Jim Strausbaugh of Architectural Warehouse has loaned a handmade wooden sleigh to place in the lobby of Tryon Fine Arts Center to collect donated shoes.
Community members who wish to contribute are welcome to bring new children’s shoes in any size to the Tryon Fine Arts Center between Thursday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 8 when TFAC will present a Bright Star Touring Theatre’s production of Holidays From Around the World at 3 p.m.
Visit www.tryonarts.org or call Tryon Fine Arts Center Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 828-859-8322 for more information regarding the special Christmas programming at Tryon Fine Arts Center.
Tryon Fine Arts Center, located on Melrose Avenue in the town of Tryon, has been a center for participation in the visual and performing arts for over 44 years attracting a diverse range of audiences.