Patron Highlight

Cathy and Mike Castano and Katie and Mark Clancy at the AFCC’s Spring Soirée

While the Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea is the largest fundraiser for the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC), it’s not the only way the cultural nonprofit raises funds to support its work. In recent years, the AFCC has been able to not only bolster, but expand its programming thanks to dedicated patrons like Cathy and Mike Castano of Sandwich and Katie and Mark Clancy of South Dennis.

The Clancys were the first of the two couples — not only are they friends, but Mike and Mark are business partners, owning the custom building firm Clancy & Castano — to show their commitment to the AFCC by becoming patrons.

In that capacity, they provide a consistent, sustained source of revenue that allows the AFCC to fulfill its mission to support, promote, advocate, and celebrate the arts and culture scene on Cape Cod.

For Katie, a realtor with The Cape House, becoming a patron was a no-brainer. “I’m a musician so I love the arts and understand their importance,” she says.

She and her husband have also been inspired by the agency’s current leadership which has embarked on several new programs, such as the Creative Exchange and AFCC Access, that have added to the cultural vibrancy of the region. “They are always looking to do something new and different and integrating arts in different parts of the community in new ways that haven’t been done before,” she says.

Knowing the Castanos share in their passion for supporting the arts, the Clancys were able to easily convince the couple to join the Patron Program.

While it gives the Clancys and the Castanos the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting a worthy cause, the program also lets them see where their money is going. Last year, patrons had an opportunity to take part in a special behind-the-scenes tour of Heritage Museums & Gardens and its outdoor art installation, Points of View, which was partially funded through an AFCC grant.

Patrons have toured Highfield Hall in Falmouth; met this year’s Pops by the Sea commemorative artist, Jim Holland; and enjoyed appetizers, cocktails and music at a members-only party at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.

The gatherings are part social, part educational, and part inspirational.

“There is always an event which is enjoyable and gives you something to look forward to, especially in the winter on the Cape” says Cathy. “You’re able to get out and see what is happening with the arts.”

The Patron Program is also invaluable for working professionals like the Castanos and the Clancys. Several times, Katie says, they have brought clients to patron events for obvious reasons. “We don’t bring clients every time, but when we do, they get a pulse on what is going on in the arts world,” she says. “It makes me love where I live even more… And it makes us look like rock stars.”