What do Lela Rose, Oscar de la Renta, Mark Sikes, Jonathan Adler, Trina Turk, Katie Ridder, William Ivey Long and India Hicks have in common? Besides being beautiful people ~ talented and famous? They are among the many creative and entertaining guests Charlotte’s Mint Museum Auxiliary has brought in over the years to inspire its membership and raise funds to support the Mint Museum. The Auxiliary’s annual spring and fall member events are don’t miss occasions for Charlotte’s fashion and design savvy, and their annual Room To Bloom Series of fundraising parties represents fellowship and philanthropy at its best.
While membership to the Auxiliary certainly offers access to some of the Queen City’s most beautiful and well-attended gatherings, the mission of the Mint Museum Auxiliary is not frivolous. The Auxiliary supports The Mint Museum by raising money to fund educational offerings for the community and acquisitions for the Museum’s permanent collection. The Auxiliary has grown from a small group of 60 women when it started in 1956 to 600 members spanning seven generations, and it has donated over $13,800,000 to The Mint Museum including funds and acquisitions.
In 2016-17, the Mint Museum Auxiliary raised $288,000 through fundraising efforts, which was contributed to the Auxiliary’s endowment and provided a substantial gift to the Mint Museum for the following programs:
- William Ivey Long exhibit sponsorship
- Oscar de la Renta exhibit sponsorship
- Program sponsorship of all fashion special exhibitions
- Support of student tours of special exhibitions
- Grier Heights art program
- Morehead STEM Academy residency program
If you think you would like to join the Mint Museum Auxiliary, here’s how it works:
Who can join?
A prerequisite for membership in the Auxiliary shall be an interest in the Mint Museum and a willingness to participate in programs and projects of the Museum, especially those sponsored by the Auxiliary. Active Members are encouraged to volunteer for an Auxiliary event, an Auxiliary committee or at the Mint Museum. Dues are $100 for Active Members and $125 for Associate Members. In addition to Auxiliary dues, all members are expected to maintain a membership at the Mint Museum.
How to join?
Prospective members must be sponsored by two Auxiliary members to join the organization. For additional information, please download an application for submission by February 5, 2018 or contact Membership Admissions Chair Elizabeth Fagg. Our new member coffee will be held Monday, March 12 at the Mint Museum Randolph; more details available on the application.
When to join?
Now. The 2018 application deadline is February 5th. Plus, for sure, you want to join in time to get to go the the Spring Room to Bloom Symposium featuring interior designer Mark Sikes.
