GiveBIG for Arts Education!

We are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received year after year! Your generosity is inspiring! Together, we have made a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community, we hope you will continue to join us in inspiring the next generation of young minds and imaginations.  

The Columbia Theatre's goal this year is to raise $20,000 for the Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund. 

Thanks to generous matching funds from the Donald & Margaret Fuesler Foundation for $9,000 and the Rose Foundation for $1,000 all contributions will be MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR up to $10,000!

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."  - Albert Einstein

Performing arts offer young people a unique opportunity to understand themselves and the world they live in. The importance of the arts and its role in education cannot be overemphasized, however it is often overlooked. Arts programs inspire youth to engage, to develop social-emotional and interpersonal skills, be creative, understand different cultural perspectives, think critically, improve focus, and bolster academic achievement.

About the Eloise Pepper Arts Education Program…

The Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund is named after a well-loved teacher and dear friend of the community. Eloise strongly believed in the benefits of the performing arts in a child's life and how important it is for the development of children and young people. This fund allows the Columbia to bring fun, educational programming to young people in our community.

Some of the programs the Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund makes possible:

• Summer Theatre Camps - immerses a child in all aspects of creating a live performance.
• STEAM programming - programs exposing children to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
• Theatre classes to elementary schools in our community. 
• Scholarships - so every child has the opportunity to participate.
• Rainy Months Series - a fun, educational series that emphasizes a shared experience of both child and the adults in their lives. With these funds, the theatre can offer free and reduced tickets.
• Free Theatre Workshops - children are introduced to elements of theatre production including sets, lights, costumes, make-up, improv, movement and acting.  Up to 60 children attend classes taught by directors from Missoula Children's Theatre. Workshops are free and take place at the Columbia theatre, Kelso, and Longview Public Libraries.
• Annual Southwest Washington Symphony Children's Concert

TESTIMONIALS

“I just remember how much it meant to me when MCT would come through" - Lily Gladstone

"My son at 9 years old had never found an activity that “stuck” with him. As a mom I was heartbroken to see him struggle in everything he attempted. When he brought home the flyer I was hesitant but we decided to give it a chance and I am so thankful we did. He came out of the experience with a confidence and drive that I have NEVER seen. And most importantly he made some friends that we will stay in touch with long after the end of the program. I loved seeing the staff interact with my child. They took personality traits that other adults have encouraged him to hide and showed him how to use those personality traits in a positive way. They were so encouraging and supportive and he bloomed under their watch."

"So many new skills to list!! Projecting on stage, improv, musical theatre…different vocal and dance technique styles, working as part of a group to put on a show, how a show comes together with costumes, make up, sets, sound. Becoming aware of her own talents and ability and having a place for her to express and showcase this is amazing. Memories to last a lifetime!"

"Siah’s summer camp experience with you has been transformational. She has left her peers, family, teachers, church, and us in disbelief with her ambition/bravery. She wants to become a female Pilot someday. Yesterday as she entered the sky as co-pilot for the very first time, a dream was made to come true.

We don’t know any pilots, let alone have any in our family. This is not a world we come from. This was an extraordinary experience and we thank you for pointing her in the right direction. 

She always said she would be a bird one day and fly, well….. I guess she was right. Now, she can fly with an open door of possibilities. She said she flew for 10 minutes on her own with Pilot Robert and she loved it!!!!!!"

Find out more about the Eloise Pepper Arts Education program HERE!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

April 23: Early giving begins! Don’t want to wait until May 7? You don’t have to! Click on DONATE button above.

May 7 & 8 (48 hours!): GiveBIG! Washington’s statewide fundraising campaign where individuals and organizations come together to invest in our communities.

May 7 (11am to 2pm): GiveBIG Cowlitz Celebration. Local participating nonprofits kick off GiveBIG at the Merk on Commerce!