As 2025 winds down, many find themselves reflecting on what they’re thankful for, thinking about the year ahead, and planning how they want to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Typically, November and December see the highest amount of charitable donations. In 2023, people in the United States gave $3.1 billion on GivingTuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. 

With a global push for giving at this time of year, it can be difficult to decide what to support and how to support it. Taking stock of factors like impact and personal value alignment can help make the decision easier. To help make your giving simpler, we’re highlighting the top 10 reasons to support creativity and the arts during this giving season.

As we work to transform the historic Rialto theater into the Rialto Center for Creativity, we’re learning from the experiences of other creative arts centers in New Jersey and around the country. While each one is different in mission, location, and size, there are important lessons to learn from each. This month, we’re looking at the economic impact of these centers on the local, state, and national levels.

This month, we interviewed Rialto board member Richard Solomon. Rich is a long-time Westfield resident who spent over 40 years at CBS as the Senior Director of Production Management and the Ed Sullivan Theater Operations. During his time at CBS, he won three Emmys and led the team that designed, engineered, and restored the Ed Sullivan Theater into what it is today. Read the interview to learn about his work with Paul McCartney, the flaw in his second Emmy, and why he’s excited for the Rialto.