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Let's help build the Firehouse Arts Center

The phrase, "Put your money where your mouth is" took on new meaning this month when the nine-member board of directors of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation chipped in collectively $1 million towards the downtown Firehouse Arts Center project that it is promoting. The project, which also has a commitment of $8.8 million from the City Council, now needs another $4 million in public and business funding to break ground, hopefully next year.

When completed, the Firehouse Arts Center will become a jewel of Pleasanton and a focal point that will stimulate the economic growth and cultural vitality of the downtown core. Planned for the site of Pleasanton's original fire station on Railroad Avenue just one block off of Main Street and next to Lions Wayside Park in the heart of downtown, it's an ideal location for an arts facility. The creative architectural design will convert the historic old station house into a first-class small arts center with more modern designs for a 240-seat theater, art galleries and art classrooms. The 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 educational experiences of school students and younger children.

With the board's $1 million donation, the Cultural Arts Foundation has also named Debbie Look as the organization's first paid staff member to launch the fundraising campaign. Look just ended a two-year term as president of the Pleasanton Parent Teacher Association Council and has extensive experience in leading fundraising efforts, researching grant opportunities and persuading potential donors of the value their individual and corporate gifts will bring to their community.

Art facilities are very commonly built and operated with a combination of public and private funds. That will be the case here. Although the new facility will be owner and city-operated, private contributions, such as the Foundation board's contribution--the largest cash donation ever to the city of Pleasanton--will not only help make this arts center possible, but will provide an endowment fund that will assist with operating expenses.

A great many people have expressed enthusiasm over recent years for this new cultural facility in downtown Pleasanton. To become a donor, contact Greg Reznick at (925) 417-2074 or Debbie Look at (925) 846-1007. Let's keep the momentum going.