Who are the Friends of Wilkinson Center?
Founded in 2003, the Friends of Wilkinson Center is a group of dedicated volunteers whose mission is to support, serve, and promote Wilkinson Center. Through educational, charitable, and service-oriented activities, members contribute their time, resources, and talent to help ensure the continued success of Wilkinson Center’s programs.
Our Traditions
Fundraising Events
The Friends of Wilkinson Center host fundraising events to benefit Wilkinson Center. Their first event in 2005, Tinsel & Dreams, began as an auction featuring tabletop Christmas trees decorated by designers, celebrities, and businesses. Tinsel & Dreams soon evolved into a full-scale fundraising gala that included a silent and live auction, an elegant seated dinner, and entertainment.
In 2012, the Friends hosted Wilkinson Center’s 30th Anniversary Black & White Gala, and followed that with the Shaken Not Stirred Gala in 2013. In 2014, the event transitioned to The Spirit of Taos. Since 2005, the Friends of Wilkinson Center have raised more than $1,600,000 for Wilkinson Center programs!
Program Participation and Advocacy
The Friends participate in all areas of Wilkinson Center programs. Volunteers stock shelves and help clients shop at the Food Pantry, and they participate in mock job interviews to serve students in Adult Education classes. The Friends serve on Wilkinson Center’s Board and committees, volunteer at events, and assemble and distribute turkey baskets to families at Thanksgiving and toys at Holidays at Wilkinson Center.
The Friends also act as ambassadors for Wilkinson Center’s mission within the community.