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PCAF board pledges $1 million for Firehouse Arts Center
Largest cash donation ever to city-owned, operated facility

by Jeb Bing

The nine-member board of directors of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation has collectively pledged $1 million towards the Firehouse Arts Center project. It is considered the largest cash donation ever given to the city of Pleasanton, which will own and operate the center.

"I am pleased and proud to be a part of the group making a gift that will take us a long way towards our fundraising goal to support the Firehouse Arts Center," said Greg Reznick, the board's president.

"So much has been done by so many to make Pleasanton such a special place to live," he added. "The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation sees the Firehouse Arts Center as a key factor that will take Pleasanton to the next level in its development.ĘBy bringing arts to the Downtown, by providing citizens a chance to enjoy and participate, by providing a bridge from Main Street to First Street, the Firehouse Arts Center will do much to enhance our city. We are confident that we will be joined by many others in our quest to bring the best possible Arts CenterĘto ourĘDowntown.îĘ

The foundation was established to spearhead fundraising for the Firehouse Center. The City Council led the way with a commitment of $8.8 million. Now, with the $1 million pledge by the PCAF board, the total commitment for the project is close to $10 million. Another $4 million is needed to meet the organization's commitment to fully finance the construction of the Arts Center as well as to establish funding for programming at the facility and other venues in Pleasanton for years to come.

"The center, expected to open in early 2008, will become a jewel of Pleasanton and a focal point that will stimulate the economic growth and cultural vitality of the downtown core," Reznick said. "By offering an attractive link from Lions Wayside Park and First Street to Main Street, the facility will further capitalize on the downtown district's high quality shopping and dining, historic flavor, and pedestrian-friendly ambience by further expanding the cultural identity of Pleasanton."

With its 240-seat theater, art galleries and art classrooms, Reznick said the Firehouse Arts Center will provide multiple opportunities for Pleasanton residents of all ages to enjoy a wide range of arts experiences. Especially important, it will have a positive impact on the education experiences of school students and younger children.

"The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation is making a dedicated attempt to reach out to the community, providing opportunities to contribute to the success of the Firehouse Arts Center and making Pleasanton a better place to live and work," Reznick said. Support of the PCAF campaign will contribute to the development of arts facilities and programs in Pleasanton for current and future generations."

The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 2004 to take the lead role in advocating for the Firehouse Arts Center including the securing of private funds, corporate donations, and foundation grants to support the construction of the Firehouse Arts Center in downtown Pleasanton and to fund ongoing arts activities within Pleasanton. It was formed as an extension of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council.

For more information on the center or to make a contribution, contact Greg Reznick at 417-2074 or Debbie Look, PCAF Campaign Coordinator, at 846-1007.