You're Invited to the 4th Annual HEARTS Circle Gala
Honoring the People Who Care
Celebrating the vital contributions of our HEARTS Circle Members, all new and renewing members are invited to join us for a memorable evening at historic Cedar Grove, the majestic brick 1831 Greek Revival landmark located at 8229 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. This year's gala is set for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Enjoy a private house concert featuring local legend, singer/songwriter David Childers, a rare chance to explore the seldom-seen private second floor and attic of Cedar Grove, browse the silent auction, and savor a delicious farm-to-table al fresco dinner by the Carolina Farm Trust.
An Exclusive Evening Awaits You
In appreciation for your dedication to preserving our community's heritage, this exclusive event is free for all new and renewing 2025 HEARTS Circle Members.
Your membership is the foundation of our mission, providing essential funding to protect and promote the special places that embody our shared history, natural beauty, artistic expression, and captivating stories.
New to HEARTS? If you're passionate about historic preservation, cherish open spaces, are curious about nature, or simply love the arts, HEARTS Circle is where you belong.
Gala Highlights
Prepare for a truly unique experience in the historic setting of Cedar Grove's parlor with a private house concert by the renowned local singer/songwriter David Childers. A 2025 NC Hall of Fame inductee and HEARTS supporter, David is a celebrated North Carolina artist, poet, and painter, known for his distinctive voice and storytelling. His music, mixing folk, rockabilly, and country, appears on over a dozen albums, including "Run Skeleton Run," "Melancholy Angel," "Serpents of Reformation," and "Interstate Lullaby." Once a lawyer, he now dedicates himself to his art, drawing inspiration from literature, spirituality, and everyday life to craft soulful songs. He has toured across the U.S. and Europe, collaborated with members of The Avett Brothers, and performed on the MerleFest main stage.
After David’s performance, guests will enjoy a delicious al fresco Southern gourmet farm-to-table dinner prepared by the Carolina Farm Trust. This culinary highlight will showcase the best of local, seasonal flavors. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the rich history of this architectural gem, exploring Cedar Grove’s rarely open attic and second floor. Enjoy browsing our exciting silent auction featuring unique treasures, all while supporting a noble cause.
Don’t miss the last opportunity to view Cedar Grove’s Center Hall exhibit, “Honoring,” featuring portraits by Eva Crawford and Sabrina Tillman in partnership with Nine-Eighteen-Nine Gallery. Eva Crawford’s works re-imagine old black-and-white photos using charcoal and acrylic, often painting portraits on quilts. Inspired by her grandmother and Niki Giovanni’s poem “Quilts,” her work explores legacy and the rebirth of materials.
Sabrina Tillman’s compelling portraits from her Double Consciousness series were inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’s idea of seeing oneself through both personal and societal lenses. Her work challenges stereotypes placed on Black women by blending symbols of strength and softness-fierce animals for survival, and flowers for grace. Each piece reclaims identity and honors resilience, turning scars into symbols of power.
Celebrating Community with Food
The Carolina Farm Trust returns with their locally sourced, chef-prepared, and lovingly served gourmet farm-to-table dinner following the performance.
The Carolina Farm Trust supports farmers with land and market access, cultivating urban farms, developing the next generation of farmers, and educating the community on food security and the importance of a sustainable food future.
Why Your Support Matters
HEARTS Circle members are the backbone of our organization. Your dedication allows us to preserve special sites, connect local histories, and share these treasures through "HEARTS Happenings." These free, community-based events — focusing on history, nature, and art — are designed to be accessible to everyone, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our region. While donations are encouraged and greatly valued, we believe financial barriers should never prevent anyone from experiencing our rich local heritage. HEARTS is needed in our community to share and protect special places.
Join or Renew Your Membership Today
Secure your spot at this extraordinary event and be a vital part of the HEARTS community. Tickets to the 4th annual HEARTS Circle Gala are free to current members with an Individual Level and up. Please join or renew to receive your free ticket code. If you have a current membership, please email Lauren@HEARTSCircle.org for your free ticket code or any questions. We thank you for your support!
About HEARTS Collaborative
HEARTS (history, ecology, arts, reunion, trails, store) Happenings are free, community-centered gatherings featuring diverse music, visual arts, and engaging lectures. These events explore local history, nature, and foster community bonds. They are made possible through dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle Members, community partners, and donations. All proceeds support advancing the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and regional community building in the Catawba Valley Region. HEARTS Collaborative is a private 501(c)(3) umbrella, for more info, visit www.heartscollaborative.org.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to sharing a wonderful evening with you!
