Helga and Gary Westerhoff presented a check for $7,500 to the Friends of the Metuchen Arts Council, the not-for-profit whose mission is to help fund the programming for the Metuchen Arts Council.
“With this amazing gift, the Westerhoffs continue to be a leader in supporting the arts and culture in our borough. We are so grateful for their continuing support for Metuchen Arts Council programming,” Arts Council co-chair Robert Diken said in a prepared statement.
In addition to their financial gift, the Westerhoffs also donated a Kawai Baby Grand Piano to the Arts Council which will be housed in the Community Room of the Metuchen Public Library.
Due to the resurgence of the COVID pandemic, a private ceremony was held at the Metuchen Public Library on July 31 to acknowledge both donations. according to the statement.
Founded by Helga Westerhoff in 1998, the Westerhoff School of Music & Art at 5 Calvin Pl. in Metuchen provides a foundation which can prepare students for careers in music and/or visual arts, plus a lifetime of music enjoyment and art appreciation. The curriculum is designed to deepen the love and understanding of music and art and to develop performance skills in both, according to the statement.
The Metuchen Arts Council sponsors programs in all arts disciplines, supports local artists and arts organizations through grants, sponsorships and networking opportunities, works to create a community to attract artists and audiences of all ages and cultures, and is an advocate for arts education at all levels, according to the statement.
For more information, visit www.westerfhooffschoolofmusic.com.
For information about the program offerings of the Metuchen Arts Council, visit www.metuchenartscouncil.com.
