2019 | Dr. Bradley Sabelli

2018 | Charlie & Brenda Hochreiter

2017 | Mike Baker

2016 | Kathleen Butcher & Greg Tennant

2015 | Teresa Rector

2014 | Marcia Kort Buike

2013 | Karen Collins

2012 | Sandy Johnson

2011 | Dr. Sarah Lynn Hayes

2010 | Barre Mitchell

2009 | Joe Zdenek

2008 | Linh Lee

2007 | Tom Stanley

Dr. William Benjamin Ardrey, a well-known Rock Hill pediatrician for more than 30 years, was an extraordinary volunteer and active in community groups, including the Arts Council. This award, named in his honor, is given to those individuals who display enthusiasm for, and dedicated volunteer commitment to promote the arts in York County. The 2019 recipient of the Ben Ardrey Volunteer of the Year’s commitment to the arts knows no bounds. 

2019 RECIPIENT | DR. BRADLEY SABELLI

Dr. Bradley Sabelli was the catalyst for many Catawba River Art Guild activities as president from 2014 – 2018. He secured guest artist presentations, involved the group in activities like Come Draw With Me, Earth Day, Harry Potter Science, and Piedmont Exhibition Events at the Museum of York County, and advocated for the exhibition of local artwork in local venues such as banks, restaurants, and galleries. Brad continues to work with local organizations to bring the arts to all local and regional communities, and never misses a chance to promote the arts and to encourage artists. He pitches in, and often leads. When there is a need or opportunity involving arts in our community. He is a mentor, educator, and organizer of the arts. He serves on the Fewell Park Advisory Board where he teaches classes throughout the year with a focus on offering high-quality, affordable classes. Sabelli is not only a member of the Arts Council, but he also serves as a workshop leader and event photographer as well. He can also be found teaching art classes at Gallery 120 in Clover, SC. 

An artist in his own right, Dr. Sabelli has exhibited in galleries in Washington, D. C., Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, Virginia, and South Carolina, and his artwork is held in private collections across the country. He contributes to local non-profit fundraising auction events, participates in the Rock Hill School District 3’s Art and Art Education program, serves as an adjudicator for the Fort Mill Public Art Show and for the York County High Schools Art Show. Sabelli’s theatrical designs have appeared on the stage across the US.

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2019 | Gala Affairs

2018 | Morton & Gettys

2017 | Sharp Business Systems

2016 | Family Trust Federal Credit Union

2015 | Carolina Fresh Farms

2014 | Duke Energy

2013 | Bi-Lo

2012 | Founders Federal Credit Union

2011 | O'Darbys Fine Wine & Spirits

2010 | Gallery Up

2009 | Williams & Fudge

The Business & the Arts Partnership Award was created in 1992 to recognize businesses whose dedicated partnership with the arts has been demonstrated during the calendar year. The judges represent business, the arts, and government. The winner is honored at the Arts Council of York County's Annual Celebration each year.The following criteria are considered for each business:

• Impact
• Involvement in the arts (Examples include: employee volunteers, donation of in-kind services and goods, tie-ins that involve the arts in advertising, marketing, promotion, and public relations campaigns, establishments of arts collections)
• Originality of the support programs

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2019 RECIPIENT | GALA AFFAIRS

The longstanding support that Gala Affairs offers to the arts and culture community in York County is immeasurable. Gala Affairs is involved in nearly every aspect of the community from leadership positions to underwriting events hosted by nonprofit organizations. President and owner, Toy Rhea has served the arts community by working with the Arts Council of York County, the Women’s Art Initiative, ChristmasVille, Come-See-Me Festival, and The White Home – to mention just a few.

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Understanding the tight budgets that local nonprofits work with, Gala Affairs often donates, or offers at a reduced cost, the rentals of equipment needed for receptions, celebrations and special events produced by the nonprofit organizations in the county. As president of ChristmasVille, Rhea comped so many event fees that Rock Hill’s ChristmasVille was able to focus their attention on growing this popular four-day festival, earning the Southeast Festival & Events Association’s Kaleidoscope Awards Best Festival for the 2017 event.

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As a business that volunteers within the community, leads, donates products and services, enjoys a large visual arts collection and is heavily involved in marketing and advertising local events, campaigns, and special programs, Gala Affairs is most deserving of the Business & the Arts Award.