The Arts & Science Council said Wednesday it will extend its 2010 fund-raising campaign until March 29 in hopes of reaching its goal of $7.3 million. The announcement came as pledges stand about 1 million dollars short, at $6.35 million.
Which local groups get ASC money? See below.
ASC grants in North Meck
The Arts & Science Council also provides $333,499 in funding for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Programs from individual artists, to the Charlotte Children’s Theatre, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra benefit all of Mecklenburg County’s school children. ASC distributed a total of $7,985,513 this year to the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. - Michele Miller Houck |
Here’s the ASC announcement:
Arts & Science Council Extends 2010 Annual Fund Drive
CHARLOTTE, March 11, 2010 – The Arts & Science Council’s (ASC) 2010 Annual Fund Drive, an effort to raise dollars to support Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural community, has been extended until March 29, 2010. The campaign, launched on January 26 with a goal of $7.3 million, was expected to end March 15. However, as of today, $6,350,000 has been raised. Donations can be made on ASC’s website, www.ArtsAndScience.org.
“We first want to thank our campaign volunteers for their hard work as well as individuals and companies that have donated to ASC,” said ASC President Scott Provancher. “We are really close to reaching the goal and our campaign cabinet believes this additional time will allow us to give more individuals the opportunity to donate and for companies to conclude their workplace campaigns. Every gift, at every amount, matters.”
Fewer dollars to ASC means fewer dollars to support the cultural sector. Cultural institutions like Discovery Place, Levine Museum of the New South and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture suffered a 33% reduction in grants from ASC last year.
“We need everyone’s help to reach the goal,” says Provancher. “We are doing everything in our power to not have to reduce funding to the cultural sector again this year.”
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.
ASC’s 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% and will invest 27% 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.
