The HOT August Night fundraiser showcases local artists painting at the event and then selling them at a live auction. (Contributed Photo)

This Saturday, Plaza Tower will host the third annual HOT August Nights, an event that promises to unite the community through a blend of exquisite dining and local artistry. Organized by Heart of Tyler, Inc. (HOT), the evening will feature a five-course meal crafted by downtown restaurants, accompanied by a vibrant showcase of art and entertainment, all aimed at supporting the revitalization of downtown Tyler.

“This is probably one of my favorite events … I think it’s different from your average fundraiser,” said Heart of Tyler President Andy Bergfeld. “Seeing downtown come together and support downtown … the local businesses and artists, it’s a great thing to see and be a part of.”

As emcee, Tyler Mayor Don Warren will lead the festivities, which include live music, art showcases by local artists, and a live auction for attendees to purchase unique artworks. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Downtown Revitalization Program Grant, aimed at bolstering local businesses and revitalizing downtown Tyler.

“I’ve been a part of the Heart of Tyler board for 12 years now and I just love the organization,” said Carleen Dark-Bays, chair of the HOT August Nights fundraiser. “We wanted to do an event that really hits some key pillars for why the organization exists.”

Founded more than 30 years ago, Heart of Tyler is the city’s only 501©(3) nonprofit dedicated to the economic, cultural, and historic revitalization of Downtown Tyler. The organization’s mission is anchored in four key pillars: organization, economic vitality, promotions, and design. Heart of Tyler collaborates with the City of Tyler, the Texas Main Street Program, and the National Main Street Center to drive these efforts.

“The organization is an opportunity for people all over the community to be a part of Heart of Tyler, see what we’re doing to support local commerce and business development,” Dark-Bays said. “As well as supporting the arts.”

The event initially began as a fundraiser for the Façade Grant. Originally held outdoors on the bricks, a November storm prompted a move to Rick’s upstairs. Following renovations to the space in Plaza Tower, the event was relocated indoors to benefit from air conditioning. By attending this event, guests contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts of downtown Tyler.

“We firmly believe that if people know exactly where their dollars are going, they’re much more willing to support the Heart of Tyler,” Dark-Bays said.

Five different downtown restaurants are each contributing a course to the meal, with the cost covered by Heart of Tyler.

“Most of the time, these restaurants around here are asked to donate stuff but we wanted to pay for it … the sponsorships pay for the food so that’s one cool aspect of it,” Bergfeld said.

The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres of Coctel de Camarones from Don Juan’s on the Square. Rick’s on the Square will present a pear and gorgonzola salad, complemented by Culture ETX’s appetizer of blackened Gulf shrimp. For the main course, guests will enjoy a tenderloin from Prime 102, accompanied by the chef’s selection of vegetables. Dessert will be a bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, provided by The Porch at ETX Brewing Co.

Culinary students from Chapel Hill ISD will assist with food service, and a portion of the proceeds will support their culinary programs by funding essential kitchen equipment and food items.

“They get to work underneath some of our local chefs and learn and put what they’re doing at school to practice in their serving,” Dark-Bays said. “We’ve supported (the culinary programs of) Longview ISD, Tyler ISD now Chapel Hill … and it’s a great night for them and you can tell they love it.”

The evening will also showcase local artists Farrah Cargile, Dace Kidd and Stephanie Nickel, who will create live artwork during the event. Their pieces will be auctioned off, offering guests a chance to acquire unique works of art.

“This event really does lean to local artists, including musicians, photographers,” said board member Tiffany Gilliam. “At a glance, it could seem like people wanting to attend a simple fundraiser for a nonprofit but there’s so much more creativity and personality involved.”

As a local artist herself, Gilliam appreciates how involved the Heart of Tyler is with the art community. She was eventually brought on board as someone who could provide a creative perspective.

“This team is very efficient and good at getting things done,” she said. “But sometimes they need someone who can bring … not necessarily glitz but a little bit of sparkle. I feel very privileged to be involved in this … they’ve already done wonderful things for downtown Tyler. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

The event encourages guests to don all-white attire, adding to the evening’s elegance.

“We’ve done the all-white thing partly because the room is so beautiful … and it’s hot outside,” Dark-Bays said. “It makes for a great time to come indoors, beat the heat … it’s all about being in a cool space and supporting the local businesses, restaurants and artists in a very stylish way.”

Tickets are available for both long table seating and private table sponsorships, each offering exclusive perks and an opportunity to support the city’s revitalization efforts. However, organizers report that tickets are nearly sold out.

“We’ve grown a little bit each year so more people are coming out,” Dark-Bays said. “So, we’re excited about that. We have taken walk ups at the door but we may not be able to do that this year. We’ll see.”

Even if you aren’t able to attend HOT August Nights, the organizers of the nonprofit encourage people to refer to the website or Facebook page.

“We always have something happening,” Dark-Bays said. “Just keep checking in. We will probably have something.”