FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Pat Verner Program Director

Mariam Cannon Hayes Celebrates Birthday with $25,000 Gift to Arts Council

The arts council was surprised and delighted to receive a check for $25,000 from local philanthropist Mariam Cannon Hayes in November.  It was the largest donation by an individual in the arts council’s 25-year history.

The check was a reverse birthday gift, according to Mrs. Hayes, who will celebrate her 91^st  in January.  She gave us $10,000 last year.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift from Mrs. Hayes,” said Noelle Scott, executive director.  “Her generosity is so important to our community and has truly made it a better place to live and work.  In addition, she has been a long-time patron of the arts in North Carolina.  Her interest in and support of organizations such as the NC Symphony and the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University have helped make our state a place where the arts flourish.”

The daughter of Charles A. Cannon, president and chairman of Cannon Mills for more than 50 years, Mrs. Hayes is a generous philanthropist who has long supported NorthEast Medical Center and other organizations in our community and across the state.