| January 2010
Issue of Firehouse
Arts Center Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter
Click
here to read the January 2010 issue of the
Firehouse Arts Center Times.
 Hacienda Helping Hands Provides Matching Funds for Firehouse Arts Center
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation (PCAF)
has been awarded a Hacienda Community Involvement
Grant in the amount of $5,000, funded by Hacienda
Business Park companies that contribute to the
Hacienda Helping Hands (HHH) campaign. For a limited
time, these funds will be used to match donations
to the Firehouse Arts Center Campaign. Donations,
including the purchase of a commemorative brick
or the naming of a theater seat, will be matched
with the funds from HHH. Residents of the Tri-Valley
are encouraged to make their gifts go further by
donating to the Firehouse Arts Campaign now. A
great way to show your support of the arts and
our community! Click
here to buy a brick or name
a seat).
December 2009 Issue
of Firehouse
Arts Center Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter
Click
here to read the December
2009 issue of the Firehouse Arts Center Times.
October 2009 Issue of Firehouse
Arts Center Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter
Click
here to read the October
2009 issue of the Firehouse Arts Center Times.
 Firehouse
Supporters Tour the Site
September 16, 2009
Major supporters of the Firehouse Arts Center
project had the opportunity to tour the site and
view the tremendous progress being made. The facility
is taking shape and visitors enjoyed getting a
feel for what a wonderful amenity this will be
for our community. The project continues to be
on schedule and the entire facility, including
the parking lot and outdoor plaza, is expected
to be complete by Spring 2010.
 Comerica Bank donates $1,000 to the
Firehouse Arts Center!
September 9, 2009
At the Grand Opening of their new branch on Main
Street in downtown Pleasanton, Branch Manager,
Joshua Garrison presented a check for $1,000 to
PCAF representative, Debbie Look, in support of
the construction of the Firehouse Arts Center.
New
Issue of Firehouse
Arts Center Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter
Now Available
The March 2009 issue of our newsletter,
the "Firehouse Arts Center Times" is
now available as a downloadable PDF. Click
here to download the PDF.
 |
| Photos:
Sue Evans |
PCAF Donations for Firehouse
Arts Center up to $500,000 in 2008!
December 2008
Santa Claus helped PCAF President, John Loll,
and board members, Jerry Pentin and Jaime Dowell
deliver a special gift to Mayor Jennifer Hosterman
on Friday, December 12th. The package contained
a check from the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation
for $275,000 payable to the City of Pleasanton
for the construction of the Firehouse Arts Center.
This brings the annual donations to the City, from
the Foundation, to $500,000. These gifts were made
possible through the generosity of community members,
businesses, other organizations and foundations.
 |
| Photos:
Dino Vournas |
Firehouse Arts Center Construction is Progressing
November 2008
The demolition phase of the Firehouse Arts Center project is now complete, the seating area has been excavated and foundations for the new portion of the building are being poured. The City of Pleasanton reports that the project is on target with respect to both the schedule and budget. The anticipated opening date continues to be in early 2010.
Check back here for periodic updates of the construction.
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 "Firehouse
Fling" on September
14 to Provide an Old Fashioned Family Fun Day and
Raise Funds for Firehouse Arts Center in Downtown
Pleasanton
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation, a
non-profit organization taking the lead role in fundraising
for the Firehouse Arts Center, today announced plans
for "Firehouse Fling," a spectacular event being
anticipated to provide a day of fun-filled family
activities benefiting the Firehouse Arts Center Capital
Campaign. Presenting Sponsors for the event, which
will be held Sunday, September 14 from 11:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. at Wayside and Delucchi Parks in downtown
Pleasanton, include Pacific, Gas and Electric and
San Jose Stealth.
An extensive line up of activities is scheduled
including carnival games, pie-eating contests, sack
races, a bake walk, pony rides, a petting zoo, arts
& crafts, live entertainment plus a BBQ and snacks.
The event is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees.
"We are excited about this event which we expect
to be a fun day for the community, especially for
families with preschool and elementary school-age
children," said Debbie Look, campaign director and
chair of the event. "We selected this location for
the Firehouse Fling to showcase the art center venue
and introduce the community to the plans for this
rich addition to the city." Besides the Presenting
Sponsors, the event is generously being sponsored
by Platinum Media Sponsors: Pleasanton Weekly and
Diablo Magazine; a Gold Sponsor: Union Bank of California;
a Silver Sponsor: Citi Private Bank, and Bronze Sponsors:
ReMax Accord - Louis & Margene Rivara and Comerica
Bank.
General admission to the event will be free. There
will be a fee to participate in the games and activities
and also for food. Wrist bands can be purchased for
children, giving them unlimited participation in
the fun events. For more information or to volunteer
at the event, please contact Debbie Look at dlook@pleasantonartsfoundation.org or call 925-846-1007.
Click
here to download the press realease about
this event.
Click here to download the flyer for this
event.
Read the Pleasanton Weekly article.
Read
the Contra Costa Times article.
New Issue of Firehouse
Arts Center Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter
Now Available
The August 2008 issue of our newsletter,
the "Firehouse
Arts Center Times" is now available as
a downloadable PDF. This issue includes a lot of
exciting news! Click
here to download the PDF.
 Pleasanton
Recycle Grocery Bags Available to
Raise Money for the Firehouse Arts Project
Pleasanton photographer Sue Evans is sponsoring
the sale of special Pleasanton recycle grocery bags
to raise money for the Firehouse Arts Project. Sue
is a member of ABWA Express to Success, a women's
business network that recently joined the Pleasanton
Chamber and a Livermore Chamber member. The bag is
forest green with taupe colored ink. It has the Pleasanton
Arch along with, "Paper or Plastic? No thanks, I
have my own" on it. There are no company logos on
it. She wants to encourage people to stop using paper
and plastic and also to support the arts. All profits
will be donated to the Firehouse Arts Project. They
are currently available at The Berry Patch on West
Angela Street, Pleasanton, or directly through Evans
for bulk orders. The bags sell for $4.99 each or
5 for $20.00. Retailers wishing to offer them may
also contact her. She may be reached at SueEvansPhotography@comcast.net or 925-989-4113.
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Pleasanton City Council Approves
the Construction Contract for the Firehouse Arts
Center
At its meeting on July 15, 2008, the Pleasanton
City Council awarded a construction contract to
W.A. Thomas Company Inc. in the amount of $8,400,318
for the construction of the Firehouse Arts Center.
Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation President John
Loll was on hand to congratulate the City for its
action and to note that this decision brings us
to an exciting place as the entire community will
now be able to watch as the historical fire station
on Railroad Avenue is transformed into a state-of-the-art
visual and peforming arts center. (Read the Contra
Costa Times article.) (Read
the Pleasanton
Weekly article.)
Loll also presented
the City with a check for $100,000 towards the
construction of the Firehouse Arts Center, the
second installment of PCAF's ongoing financial
support of the project. At this meeting, Charlotte
Severin and Pat Smith, of the Pleasanton Art League,
also presented a check for $25,000 for the Firehouse
Arts Center project. (Read the Pleasanton
Weekly article.)
See the press
release for more information.
To see photos from the "Start of Construction
Celebration," visit our Events page.
New Leadership for Firehouse Arts Center Campaign
At the June 6, 2008 Annual General Meeting, the
Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation elected new
executive officers. Taking office as of July 1st
will be John Loll as President, Bill Butler as
Vice-President & Treasurer, and Jaime Dowell as
Vice-President & Secretary. See the press
release for more information.
Firehouse
Arts Center Bricks Available
"Follow the Yellow
Brick Road . . . to bring the arts home to Pleasanton"
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation announced
today that the launch of the first phase of the
commemorative brick campaign will take place on
Friday, February 29th at the Foundation's "Wonderful
Evening of Oz" gala
event. Members of the community
will be invited to "purchase" bricks that
will be permanently installed at the Firehouse
Arts Center, as a lasting reminder of their commitment
to the arts and our community. Bricks may be purchased
in the name of an individual, a family, a company
or even a favorite pet. They also make wonderful
gifts for friends and family. The bricks, measuring
4" x 8", are available for $150 each. For
more information, see the press
release, or download
a copy of the order form.
 |
| Jerry
Pentin |
Pleasanton Cultural
Arts Foundation Adds New Board Member
PCAF welcomes new board member, Jerry
Pentin. A media producer for the past 25 years,
Jerry is the owner of Spring Street Studios located
in Pleasanton. Jerry has been involved with the
PCAF over the past year as he produced the "Firehouse
Arts Center" Video, a 7-minute presentation
covering the history of the firehouse along with
the plans for the arts center in the coming year.
(You can view the video on our Video
Overview page.) He
has also been a member of the Firehouse Arts Center
Task Force over the past three years. Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
"Wonderful Evening
of Oz" Gala to
Benefit the Firehouse Arts
Center
 Tickets
are now available for PCAF's "Wonderful Evening
of Oz" fundraiser on Friday,
February 29, 2008. For more information, click
here to download a PDF of the press release,
or click
here to see the invitation.
This special event will include
a hosted bar, live entertainment and a gourmet
dinner. Art pieces by noted local artists will
be on display. A live auction will feature unique
items and experiences. Tickets are now on sale
at $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 8.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.
To find out more, purchase tickets or discuss sponsorship
opportunities, contact Debbie Look at 925.846.1007
or e-mail her at dlook@pleasantonartsfoundation.org.
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Firehouse Arts Center
Times (F.A.C.T.S) Newsletter Is Now Available
The inaugural issue of the Firehouse
Arts Center Times newletter is now available as
a downloadable PDF. This publication will be issued
throughout the campaign to bring you the facts
about the Firehouse Arts Center project. This first
issue includes information about our upcoming gala
event, news on the project and the fundraising
campaign, examples of the many community leaders
supporting the campaign and events we have held.
Click here to download the PDF.
Orchestration! Takes
Its Final Bow
Musical Instruments Support Local Arts Groups
 |
| Artist
Margene Rivara with auction winner Jeffrey
M. Cohen. |
An enthusiastic crowd of art and
music lovers spent the afternoon in the Bankhead
Theater on Sunday, November 4th, where the Livermore
Valley Performing Arts Center's Orchestration! instruments,
47 one-of-kind works of arts, were displayed for
the final one-day exhibition and auction. The event
reception included hors d'oeuvres from Zephyr
Grill & Bar and wines from Wood Family Vineyards,
as well as an opportunity to meet some of the participating
artists. Bidding gained momentum when
Margene Rivara's guitar "Days of Wine
and Roses," designed with Tiffany Copper
Foil Technique and Swarovski crystals, went on
the auction block. Jeffrey M. Cohen topped the
afternoon's action with a final bid on Margene's
guitar of $28,500.
Auction proceeds will support the
Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton and the Livermore
Valley Performing Arts Center, with an honorarium
returned to each of the artists in recognition
of their work. Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation
Campaign Director Debbie Look notes, "We were
thrilled to partner with the Livermore Valley Performing
Arts Center for the Orchestration! project,
knowing that the proceeds will benefit the entire
Tri-Valley region. The new Bankhead Theater in
Livermore and the planned Firehouse Arts Center
in Pleasanton will provide complementary arts and
cultural experiences for all of our residents to
enjoy." Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
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Downtown Merchants to
Donate Portion of
Holiday Proceeds to Firehouse
Arts Center
A growing number of merchants in downtown are showing their support for the Firehouse Arts Center by joining the 2007 Downtown Pleasanton Giving Campaign. Spearheaded by the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation (PCAF), the campaign allows local businesses to get involved with its fundraising efforts. Participating business owners agree to donate a portion of proceeds on purchases made from November 16 to December 24.
The PCAF is encouraging shoppers
to patronize these merchants, whose establishments
will display a large yellow star. Campaign coordinator
Debbie Look said, "This is a great opportunity
for business owners and individuals to help us
bring our vision for the Firehouse Arts Center
to fruition. The center will be an exciting cultural
resource for everyone in our community. So remember
to 'follow the stars' when you are doing your holiday
shopping this year!"
The following downtown businesses
have already pledged their support for the campaign:
- Alexander's Main
Street Gallery
- Blue Agave Club
- Christesen's
Tack Room
- Clover Creek Gifts
- Dinner My Way
- Fusion
3 Salon Spa
- Gallery M
- Gourmet
Works
- Jewelers Gallery
|
- Passionate Athlete
- Sue Evans Photography
& Design
- Sincerely Yours Cards
& Gifts
- Studio 7 Fine Arts
- Sugar Shack
- Towne Center Books
- Vic's All Star
Kitchen
- Worthington Gallery
West
|
For more information about the 2007 Downtown Pleasanton
Giving Campaign or the Firehouse Arts Center,
call 925.846.1007.
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 |
| Greg
Reznick is recognized as the recipient of the
award for Supervisorial District One, represented
by Scott Haggerty. |
Pleasanton
Arts Leader Recognized
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors
recognize PCAF Board President, Greg Reznick,
with a 2007 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award
at their regular meeting in Oakland on October
2, 2007. The Arts Leadership Awards Program is
an opportunity for the County to recognize individuals
for their achievements and contributions impacting
the arts community and residents of Alameda County.
Fellow PCAF board member, Margene
Gerton Rivara, notes, "In 2004 Greg Reznick,
took a giant step forward and led the effort to
found the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation.
He has served tirelessly as President ever since.
Under Greg's leadership, the Pleasanton Cultural
Arts Foundation has worked with the City of Pleasanton
to make the Firehouse Arts Center a reality. The
City of Pleasanton has committed $8.9 million thus
far and the Foundation, with Greg as President,
has committed to raising the remaining $5 million
needed to complete the project.It is rare
to see such dedication from a person in their passion,
time, talents and funds that we have seen from
Greg." Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
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 |
| Victoria
Emmons |
Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation Adds
New Board Member
PCAF welcomes new board member, Victoria
Emmons. Victoria, a Pleasanton resident,
is the Vice-President, Public Affairs & Marketing
for the Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
PCAF Joins PDA to Support Downtown Mural Program
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation
(PCAF) has established a fund to support the Pleasanton
Downtown Association's (PDA) Mural Program. Donors
wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to
the mural program may do so by contacting PCAF.
100% of all funds contributed will be used to support
the murals program. Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
Prominent Community Members Join PCAF Advisory Board
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation
(PCAF) is pleased to announce the formation of
a Community Advisory Board in support of the Firehouse
Arts Center Campaign. Greg Reznick, President of
PCAF, notes, "We are thrilled to have the
support of so many prominent community members
in this important project for downtown Pleasanton.
These people share our vision for a new public
arts facility that will enhance the vitality of
downtown, provide economic benefits to our community,
enhance arts education opportunities for our children
and youth and provide local residents with a multitude
of arts and cultural opportunities here in our
own community." Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
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PCAF Board Pledges $1 Million Towards Firehouse Arts Center
Greg Reznick, president of the board
of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation (PCAF),
announced today that the board has collectively
pledged $1 million towards the Firehouse Arts Center
project. President Greg Reznick notes, "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. So much
has been done by so many to make Pleasanton such
a special place to live. 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. By bringing arts
to downtown, by providing citizens a chance to
enjoy and participate, by providing a bridge from
Main Street to First Street, it 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 center to our downtown." Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
|
PCAF's board members
with the check for one million dollars
that they collectively donated to the
Firehouse Arts Center project.
Back
row (left to right): David Bouchard, Jaime Dowell, John Loll,
Rudy Johnson, Billy Butler. Front
row (left to right): Holly Nelson, Beverly Hoey, Greg
Reznick, Margene Rivara
|
Pleasanton Cultural Arts
Foundation Adds New Board Member
Greg Reznick, president of
the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation (PCAF)
Board of Directors, announced today the addition
of a new board member, Billy Butler. A former
Naval officer, Butler is a director for Mellon
Financial's Private Wealth Management group in
San Francisco. Butler credits his motivation
for joining the board to his parents, who, from
an early age, instilled in him a profound respect
and appreciation for the arts. He believes the
Firehouse Arts Center will be a special part
of the Pleasanton community for many years to
come, augmenting the vibrancy of the downtown
area and becoming a focal point to everyone interested
in the arts and the education of the arts. "Pleasanton
is such a special place because there are so many
individuals, families and groups that take an active
ownership for the well-being of the community,"
stated Butler. "This makes the community welcoming
and encourages each of us to do his or her own
part to continue to improve it," he continued.
"My hopes are that through involvement with the
board, I can not only become more involved in the
community in which my family lives, but also aid
in creating an atmosphere in which the arts can
and do thrive in Pleasanton."
Also joining the PCAF in a staff role is Debbie
Look, who will serve as coordinator for the Firehouse
Arts Center capital campaign. A resident of Pleasanton
for six years, Look has been active in a volunteer
capacity with local, regional and state PTAs and
the Pleasanton Library Commission. Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
Pleasanton Cultural Arts
Foundation Welcomes New Board Member
David Bouchard, president and CEO
of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, has joined
the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation (PCAF),
as its eighth and newest board member. In a recent
interview, Bouchard explained why he has decided
to personally become involved in fundraising efforts
for the center: "I joined the Pleasanton Cultural
Arts Foundation Board of Trustees because of my
interest in both business and the arts. I believe
very strongly that the Firehouse Arts Center will
have a positive impact on our community. It is
a well-known fact that the arts are a vitally important
economic industry, generating revenue, creating
jobs and developing communities." Click
here to download a PDF of the press release.
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