[Raleigh, NC]—United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County named the recipients of their 2020 Business Support of the Arts Awards during their 10th Annual State of Arts and Culture in Wake County event last week at the North Carolina Museum of History.

These awards recognize outstanding contributions to the arts in Wake County by businesses, organizations and individuals. Awards are given in large business, small business, individual/foundation, and arts education categories. The winners are as follows,

Large Business: Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo believes the arts are a powerful tool for increasing cultural awareness, understanding, and connection. In 2019, they contributed to 18 cultural arts programs throughout Wake County such as the Ritmo Latino Festival, Diwali Celebration, and the African American Cultural Festival. For more than a decade, they have supported teacher training for the NC Symphony’s music education concerts.

Small Business: Greg Paul Builders, Inc.

Greg Paul Builders was instrumental in helping Burning Coal Theatre literally keep a roof over its head. As volunteer contractor and facilities troubleshooter, Greg Paul made the renovation of their Murphey School financially possible. Greg has also served as board president of the Raleigh City Museum. As a frequent performer in many Burning Coal plays, he attracts community members to his shows who would not normally support theatre.

Individual/ Foundation: Alec Donaldson

Alec is the rare combination of arts leader, donor, advocate, and performer. His vision and energy on the boards of Arts Together, City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Burning Coal Theatre and United Arts have indelibly shaped and enriched the arts community in Wake County. As an attorney at Wyrick Robbins, he has guided his firm’s philanthropic choices toward the arts and has been known to belt out show tunes around the office from time to time.

 Arts Education: Mimi Herman

Mimi has dedicated her teaching life to encouraging and supporting the love of writing in students of all ages. As a Kennedy Center teaching artist and director of United Arts Council’s Arts Integration Institute, Mimi has inspired nearly 700 teachers and taught tens of thousands of students to not only write well, but to embrace their own talents.