The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Receives Donation from Citigroup in Special Check Presentation

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and Citigroup celebrated another milestone in the development of The Smith Center and the city's plan to revitalize downtown Las Vegas. In a special check presentation, Citigroup shows its commitment to local arts education and community building with its special donation and partnership that supports The Smith Center's Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts program. The internationally respected Wolf Trap program brings innovative arts-based teaching strategies and services to local early childhood educators, parents and children up to five years old through the disciplines of drama, music and movement.

Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup presented The Smith Center with a check for $100,000 today. Pandit flew in just for the check presentation.

Mayor Oscar Goodman spoke about the generosity of the gift and how excited he is, in particular, for the Center to provide arts training for children thru the famous Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Thru the Arts in Virginia.

MyRon Martin, CEO and President of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts graciously accepted the large gift and thanked Mr. Pandit. Martin also remarked how the Smith Center would not have been possible without the help of Las Vegas locals and the tireless work of his talented staff. Lara Kolberg (Smith Center Development Officer) said the building was being completed quickly -- "coming out of the ground with a vengeance." They only broke ground in May 09.