SOURCE: Arts & Science Council press release
CHARLOTTE – The Arts & Science Council (ASC) announced a fund-raising goal of $7.3 million for its 2010 Annual Fund Drive. The six-week campaign, ending March 12, raises dollars to support arts, science, history and heritage organizations, artists, education programs and neighborhood cultural projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Hailed as one of the largest United Arts Funds in the U.S., the 2009 campaign was challenged due to the economy and raised $7.2 million on a goal of $11.2 million. ASC reduced its workforce by 37 percent and will invest 27 percent less dollars in the community during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. For every dollar ASC receives, 87 cents supports ASC’s mission of building appreciation, participation and support for the arts, science, history and heritage in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

“The needs of the cultural community are great and arts truly matter, now more than ever,” said ASC President Scott Provancher. “In order to sustain the cultural sector, we must continue to engage our current donors to support the campaign.”

The campaign is led by Madelyn Caple, senior vice president, regional director for Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company and Tom Zweng, senior vice president of medical affairs for Presbyterian Healthcare. This is Caple’s third year serving on the campaign cabinet and Zweng’s second.

Members of the campaign cabinet include Amy Aussieker, FABO; Bob Bertges, Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company; Bill Bollinger, The Charlotte Observer; Doug Bowman, BB&T; Jeff Browing, Duke Energy; Dwayne Campbell, Mecklenburg County; Steve Crist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C.; Jesse Cureton, Bank of America; Gay Dillashaw, Allen Tate Company; DeAlva Glenn, GMAC Financial; Clarke Hobson, Duke Energy; Lois Ingland, Carolinas Healthcare System; Laureen Jenkins, Presbyterian Healthcare; Damian and Jermaine Johnson, No Grease Barbershop; Missy McDonald, Sherpa; Tino McFarland, Balfour Beatty Construction; John Mackay, Discovery Place; June Moore, Piedmont Natural Gas; Michael Mullican, Family Dollar Stores, Inc.; Gina Shell, City of Charlotte; Rick Thurmond, Charlotte Magazine; Pat Phillips, civic leader; Betty Powell, Queens University of Charlotte; Ben Yow, Bank of America and Bill Zimmern, Moore & Van Allen.

To contribute to the 2010 Annual Fund Drive or for more information, contact ASC at 704-333-2272 or visit www.ArtsAndScience.org.