Cain Center for the Arts Board, Spouses, and Staff

May 13. The Cain Center for the Arts Founders’ Ball at the Peninsula Yacht Club brought in $660,000 for the arts center that will be built in downtown Cornelius just to the west of the Cornelius Police Station.

The event, which featured live visual artists, helped bring 25 new “Founders” to the list of

Troy Stafford, Vickie VanWingerden, Della Stafford, Sen. Thom Tillis

individuals lending their support to the $25 million project.

A $4 million bond was approved by Cornelius voters to help fund the arts center.

Cornelius residents Ericka and Bill Cain have contributed $5 million to the center which will bear their name.

Other recent gifts for programming include an expected $10,000 from the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club’s Annual Golf Tournament as well as $8,000 from Allen Tate Realtors in the Davidson, Lake Norman and Huntersville offices. The North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club has pledged $5,000.

Cain Center for the Arts is more than halfway to its goal of $25 million. When completed, the center will include a 400-seat theater, gallery space, an outdoor venue, and classrooms. In addition to providing a home for national and regional shows and performances, it will also be a venue for community, private and civic events.