Hilltop Artists, a Tacoma non-profit organization that aims to use glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures, announced Thursday it had raised approximately $45,000 during a luncheon hosted earlier this month.

“It was quite a celebration,” said executive director Kit Evans of the sold-out event that was held on Oct. 17 at Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma. “If you were there, you know. You got to experience first-hand the powerful stories of three Hilltop youth who had been looking at futures filled with drugs, jail time, and gangs who are now instead a glass blower, a community leader, and a college-bound senior.”

Established in 1994 with the help of Dale Chihuly, Hilltop Artists provides individuals between the ages of 11 and 20 with hot glass instruction, related arts training, and adult mentors focusing on increasing students’ academic and interpersonal success. The organization serves over 500 students each year.

More information is online at hilltopartists.org.