Des Moines Playhouse Receives $10,000 Grant

The Des Moines Playhouse was among more than 200 non-profit organizations recognized at the Prairie Meadows 2009 Community Betterment Grant Award Luncheon on Thursday, February 11, 2010. The Des Moines Playhouse received a $10,000 grant from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino through its 2009 Community Betterment Grant Program.

Playhouse grant funds will help support Spotlight: Literacy. Spotlight: Literacy activities are designed around a Kate Goldman Children's Theatre production to develop language arts skills and a life-long love of reading and the arts. There are several components to the program, including a classroom visit when actors present each student with a copy of the book on which the play is based, and an exchange of letters between students and actors. Annually, more than 1000 books are given to students, and more than 2000 letters go back and forth between students and actors. The grant funds also help to provide free and reduced-price tickets to school matinee performances.

Prairie Meadows' annual Community Betterment Grand Award luncheon featured guest speakers, music and dance performances, and artwork from grant recipient organizations. Attending the even on behalf of The Des Moines Playhouse were John Viars, executive director; Rod McCullough, managing director and director of development; and Kathy Pingel, director of education and youth programming.

"We are pleased that Prairie Meadows granted us these funds," said Viars. "The grant will help ensure the continuation of outstanding theatre and education programs and high-quality entertainment for the community and surrounding areas."

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information on The Des Moines Playhouse, contact the theatre at 515-277-6261.

Pictured in Photo: Front row, left to right, representing The Des Moines Playhouse: John Viars, executive director; Lynn Graves, board president; Kathy Pingel, director of education and youth programming; and Rod McCullough, managing director and director of development.

Back row, left to right, representing Prairie Meadows: Dr. Jerry Deegan, John P. Smith, Mike Helak, Martha Willits, Dr. Andy McGuire, Mike Mathews, Karrie Weinhardt, and Dr. Mary Chapman.

Photo Credit: Des Moines Playhouse

 

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