Donors who sponsored the first 55 theater seats at the Richards Center for the Arts were recently honored at a dedication ceremony and reception at the former Palm Springs High School Auditorium.
Part of the Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District’s “Grab Your Seat” $5 million capital campaign to support arts programming for students across the District, the seat-naming opportunity launched with the opening of the newly renovated and named facility about a year ago. The first $2 million lead gift to the campaign came from Rozene Supple, who provided the funding for the arts endowment and the naming of the Auditorium in honor of her family.
Elizabeth and Bob Press enjoy the two seats they have purchased. (Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Unified School District.)
At a ceremony and reception earlier this month, the first 55 seats with new inscribed armrests were unveiled to the donors, several of whom purchased more than one seat to honor family members or friends. Several additional seats have been sold since the ceremony. Supports Claude Brown and Neil Cohen have underwritten the cost of seat naming at the Richards Center, so 100 percent of the $500 per seat cost goes directly to arts programming.
Community members interested in purchasing a seat can visit HERE or call (760) 416-8455.
“Campaign supporters who opt to name a seat are enshrining their respect for the arts while displaying their concern for the future of our District’s students,” said Foundation Director Ellen Goodman.
Purchasing plate inscriptions for particular Richards Center seats is just one of several naming opportunities in the campaign. Members of the public can also place their or loved ones names on gallery walls, in the lobby and vestibule areas or even name performers’ changing rooms.
The Foundation’s second annual “Grab Your Seat” concert fund raiser is slated for Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Richards Center. Produced by Michael Childers with Frank Goldstin, the “Grab Your Seat: Icons & Idols” production pays homage to Janis Joplin, Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Prince. Tickets range from $75 to $125 and are available HERE.
Joan Boiko is the Coordinator of Communications and Community Outreach for the Palm Springs Unified School District. She can be reached at jboiko@psusd.us or (760) 416-6010.
