Jefferson Center, a premier arts and education center, announced a major fundraising effort during a news conference at the historic cultural facility in downtown Roanoke today. Performance Beyond: The Campaign for Jefferson Center seeks to raise $4 million to ensure the long-term viability of Jefferson Center and provide a means to strengthen and enhance imperative community services.
“We hope that this campaign will not only increase support for Jefferson Center and our needs – but will also raise public awareness that Jefferson Center provides much more than world-renowned performances. Jefferson Center is a vital community resource that fosters extraordinary arts educational offerings, vital services and diverse cultural experiences for people of all ages,” said Cyrus Pace, Executive Director of Jefferson Center.
In the months leading up to today’s announcement, Jefferson Center has raised more than $2 million toward the goal with a silent phase that provided multiple lead gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations such as The Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust, The Roanoke Women’s Foundation and the Norfolk Southern Foundation.
“The Roanoke Women’s Foundation, a component fund of Foundation for Roanoke Valley, is particularly proud of the grant that enabled the Jefferson Center Music Lab to expand,” according to Carolyn Nolan, The Roanoke Women’s Foundation representative.
In addition to the fundraising goal, the campaign is structured to educate the public about three key areas of service provided by Jefferson Center. These include: Cultural Center – Jefferson Center serves as the region’s “cultural center.” Beyond bringing in world-renowned performers, Jefferson Center offers a venue for local arts organizations to perform, such as Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir, Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Ballet and many more.
Education – Jefferson Center provides arts education to the community. Through such initiatives as the Music Lab, The Song Project, Jazz Institute and Sisters of the Circle, children learn music, self-expression – all while gaining confidence and raising self-esteem.
True Community Space – Jefferson Center is a true community space. It provides space to more than 20 area non-profits, offering below market rent, and it has hosted thousands of regional conferences, expos, celebrations, weddings, and various other community events.
“We are asking the community to continue supporting our current operations through our annual fund, but to also go beyond by making a pledge to ensure the long-term viability of Jefferson Center and provide a means to strengthen and enhance imperative community services,” Pace said.
Jefferson Center is located in what was formerly Jefferson High School. The secondary school closed its doors in 1975. After remaining vacant and deteriorating for 10 years, a foundation of high school alumni and community leaders were tasked to determine the future of the 112,000-square-foot-building. In 1993, the vision for the former high school became a reality. More than 20 years later, Jefferson Center continues to successfully offer transformational experiences to a broad spectrum of people throughout Southwest Virginia.
Make a secure donation contact Amy Milberger at (540) 343-2624 ext. 212.
