bergenPAC Receives $10,000 from Ronald McDonald House Charities

On August 9th, bergenPAC provided a tour of bergenPAC facilities and hosted a check presentation ceremony with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area (RMHC NYTSA) who bestowed a $10,000 grant on the theater.

RMHC NYTSA attendees included McDonald's Owner Operator ALisa Harrison, RMHC Executive Director Chris Perry, and Linda Dunham-McDonald's Owner Operator as well as former Ronald McDonald Global Chairwoman and former Board Member of The Performing Arts Center during its tenure as The John Harms Center. The funds are committed to continuing and expanding outreach programs offered through bergenPAC at a number of schools within the Paterson, NJ School District.

Both bergenPAC, a 501(c)3 non-profit, and RMHC NYTSA are dedicated to providing programming and assistance to underserved youths in the local community, and this most recent support represents only a fraction of the funds raised through their collaboration. According to Perry, since 2005 bergenPAC has received over $102,000 in grant funds from the charitable organization that the Performing Arts Center has committed to the school's services. bergenPAC began providing programming in the Paterson School district in 2010 and RMHC NYTSA joined operations in 2014 when it began supporting the Paterson programs financially.

Prior to the presentation of the grant, Gadson, Perry, and Dunham joined bergenPAC staff members on an exclusive tour that included full backstage access to practice and performance rooms at the facility. Visiting The Performing Arts School, the guests observed and experienced the summer camp program in full swing. Students impressed RMHC NYTSA representatives as they focused on instruction, participated in practice, and engaged in discussion. Each visitor was in awe of the work being done as they observed the level of confidence instilled in the students as they amassed the same critical artistic skills that would be imbued on Paterson students as a direct result of this grant money being presented. The grant will "help bergenPAC continue your works on behalf of the young children you serve. The performing arts environment gives the children a home away from home for underserved children, and enhances the well-being of a child," said Perry.

This recent donation will be utilized at a number of schools within the Paterson District to support education of the arts that translate into critical life skills. Alexander Diaz, Creative Director at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC attested to the success of the programs that they "have proven to make significant improvements in students' confidence, grades, vocabulary, and literacy skills. It is truly because of the support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities that we are afforded this opportunity to continue changing lives."

Schools that will benefit from the collaboration between the two philanthropic organizations include School #5, New Roberto Clemente School, and JFK Educational Complex. At each school, bergenPAC plans to establish after-school dance classes for students and an in-school assembly program and a program at the Dr. Frank Napier Jr. School that focuses on anti-bullying awareness and prevention through artistic media such as dance.

Linda Dunham offered her remarks concerning the collaboration, citing her long relationship with bergenPAC as a board member of the former John Harms Theater and as a repeat donor. "We are so happy to provide outreach for students who otherwise would not have exposure to the arts. This project is incredibly important to the local community." The provision of educational services of artistic pursuits is critical in child development and interaction as members of society. The programs offered by bergenPAC and funded by RMHC NYTSA serve as an outlet for those at-risk youths who do not have the same opportunities as other students.

Dominic Roncace, bergenPAC CEO offered his perspective on the extraordinarily beneficial relationship between bergenPAC and RMHC NYTSA. He expressed his gratitude to the charity, stating, "bergenPAC is extremely grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities for its long time support. We have been able to make such a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of students. As we look to the future of bergenPAC, we are excited to continue expanding both out programing and our relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities."

The Education program at bergenPAC features a series of classes, school residencies, workshops, live performances, student productions and ensemble groups in the performing arts for students ages 2 1/2 months to 21 years old for all ability levels including special programming for individuals with special needs. The program provides students with unique and "hands-on" arts training by industry professionals that allow them to gain real world experience and enhance academic achievement through the arts. bergenPAC's arts education initiatives occur on-site at our new Performing Arts School building at 1 Depot Square, Englewood, NJ or off-site at other schools. Through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and presented shows, the school reaches more than 30,000 students and community youth annually.

The Performing Arts School offers basic and professional level performing arts classes and ensemble groups and productions in theater, dance, and music for students of all ages. The school also offers beyond bergenPAC, a school Partnership Program with school districts throughout the area. The school also offers scholarships for those in financial need - no-one is turned away for inability to pay.

To enroll now or for more information contact 201.482.8194 or education@bergenpac.org.

Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the area's cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC attracts a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC - the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, "hands-on" training in music, dance and theater by industry professionals. It is through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons that the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School are able to thrive and enrich our community.

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