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Largo Cultural Center and Partners ’N Progress work together
Article published on Thursday, March 22, 2007 |
LARGO – The Largo Cultural Center opened in November of 1996 and was off to a great start.
With a mission to bring affordable artistic performances and educational programs to the community, then Largo Park and Recreation Director Cathy Santa realized the need for an organization to support and promote the center. She called on community activist Margaret Coupe to form such a group.
Coupe became the first president of Angels for the Arts in 1998. Before too long, Angels for the Arts merged with the dormant Partners ’N Progress to form Partners ’N Progress for the Arts.
“I am so pleased to have played even a small role through PNP for the Arts in helping the Largo Cultural Center expand its programs and service to the greater Largo community. The center brings such a diverse richness to the cultural life of the area, and at a cost that is far more reasonable than comparable offerings that require extensive travel and inconvenience,” said Coupe. “In addition, one of the best contributions I personally made to the organization was convincing some very talented, knowledgeable people to join the board.”
Over the past eight years PNP for the Arts has grown to nearly 1,000 contributing members and has had a succession of dedicated members on the board of directors. Following Margaret Coupe as president of the organization was Dr. Brian Beirl. In 2000 the center’s architect, John Toppe began a two year term as president.
Sue Osborne of Tampa Bay Newspapers also served for two years at the helm. Acting as current leader of the group is Sue Bordeaux of Independent Community Bank.
“Over the past few years PNP has become a vital asset to the Largo Cultural Center as their fundraising arm. Through the generosity of our donors we have been able to accomplish great things. I look forward to a very exciting 2006-2007 season,” said Bordeaux. “I am proud to be associated with so many professionals from the community that are the dedicated, hard working people who make up our board.”
Working for the past eight years doing various fund raisers, membership campaigns and drawings by chance, the PNP Board of Directors has contributed more than $400,000 in cash and contributions with another $600,000 in in-kind contributions to the center.
The funds have several purposes. First, they serve to supplement the center, making it possible to bring in quality entertainment at an affordable ticket price. Second, they provide needed equipment keeping the Tonne Playhouse a state-of-the-art theater. Last but not least, the funds allow PNP to provide educational experiences for young and old alike, supporting programs such as the Children’s Theater and Summer Theater Camp to which children are given scholarships each year.
PNP is responsible for many spectacular evenings including the galas Swinging on a Star and Gatsby Night. “One Enchanted Evening,” “Chicago” and “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” were part of the Fare and Footlights Dinner Theater series, presented in conjunction with the Eight O’Clock Theatre.
A special champagne brunch was part of the Beauty and the Beast event. All of these events are designed to promote the Largo Cultural Center and to raise the necessary funds that are vital to the success of the Center.
Over the years, PNP has enjoyed the sponsorship and support of many outstanding businesses in our area. These corporate supporters acknowledge the importance of the arts as an integral part of a well-rounded community.
For individuals, membership in PNP for the Arts has many benefits. These include advanced notice of performances, no service fees for ticket exchanges, invitations to member’s only events, two complimentary tickets to featured performances, 20 percent off rental fees at the center and much more. For as little as $25 dollars a year patrons can be part of the excitement that surrounds the center as it moves into its second decade of service to the community.
With the public’s help PNP for the Arts will continue for years to come to make the arts come alive in Largo.
Call 587-6751.
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Article published on Thursday, March 22, 2007
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