Fans of all ages slow-danced and lip-synced deep into the night, united by their shared love for Sade, an R&B star who has expanded her audience through social media.
The donations, from John and Jody Arnhold, will expand creative work across disciplines, help pay for an annual fall festival and support the jazz program.
Every year, as thousands of humpbacks return to their breeding grounds near a protected bay, locals gather on the beach to greet them with stories, dancing and music.