FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2005
CONTACT:
Meg Murray – Assemblyman Tokasz (518) 455-5921
Ken Neufeld – Studio Arena (716) 856-8025
Chris Buchanan/Nate Hurst – Wal-Mart (479) 273-4314
Tokasz Announces $60,000 Grant for Studio Arena Theatre from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Assembly Majority Leader Paul A. Tokasz (D-Cheektowaga/Lancaster) announced today that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has donated $60,000 to the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo. Assemblyman Tokasz and Del Sloneker, Senior Vice President of Store Operations for Wal-Mart, made the check presentation today to Ken Neufeld, Executive Director of Studio Arena Theatre.
This donation will be put toward the nationally recognized producing theatre’s on-going capital improvement project. Over the past four years, Studio Arena has invested over $1.3 million on infrastructure renovations.
“During these uncertain fiscal times for our counties’ cultural organizations, I am pleased that one of our most acclaimed regional gems has received this funding,” Assemblyman Tokasz said. “I want to express my appreciation for this generous grant, which is made during Studio Arena’s 40th anniversary season.”
Studio Arena’s Executive Director Ken Neufeld exclaimed; “We are very appreciative for the support of both Assemblyman Tokasz and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. This grant will leverage additional New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) funding and allow us to complete an extremely important capital initiative that will help Studio Arena save money and provide a safer and more productive workplace for our employees.”
“We realize the importance of participating in projects that positively benefit the communities where our associates and customers live and work,” said Betsy Reithemeyer, vice president of Corporate Affairs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “This theatre has distinguished itself as an important institution for Buffalo and its citizens.”
Wal-Mart Stores and the Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club Foundation is the largest corporate cash giver in the U.S., donating more than $170 million in 2004 to local charities and non-profits.
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