COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 20, 2009 -- In the last quarter, the Arts of Collin County has received an infusion of $1M in gifts towards the BRAVO! Capital campaign igniting the Arts of Collin County to prepare for ground breaking.  It is estimated only $8M more is needed to reach the fundraising goals for 2009 and provide a foundation for the construction to proceed. 

The support of local corporations and philanthropic families is vital to the success of building a cultural central park for the region. Additional philanthropic foundation, business and individual support are needed to make this a reality for the community today and for generations to come.  This investment is an investment that benefits families, local employees and the overall quality of life that allows economic growth to thrive and North Texas to sustain its national leadership role as a desirable hub for business. 

Mike Simpson, Executive Director, emphasizes that in today’s market, construction prices are at the lowest in a decade.  To maximize this opportunity, the Arts of Collin County, request for bids for the phase 1 construction has been released by Hunt Construction Management who is the company that will oversee the bid process, present a guaranteed maximum price and manage construction.  With this final investment figure, the Arts of Collin County and owner cities can proceed with approval to break ground for phase 1 which includes a 2,100 seat state-of-the-art performing arts hall and arts park nestled among 100+ acres located at the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Exchange Parkway where the cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano meet.    A virtual tour of the project is available for viewing at www.artsofcollincounty.org also where online donations are accepted. 

“By supporting the Arts of Collin County, these donors are visionaries and advocates for the economic impact and cultural development of our region,” states Mike Simpson.  “The Arts of Collin County Commission applauds their support.” 

The following have contributed recently to invigorate the BRAVO! Capital campaign:

Beverly and Jerry Lancaster $250,000

Anonymous $50,000

Baylor Medical Center of Frisco and Plano $50,000

Centennial Medical Center $25,000

Texas Health Resources – Plano $25,000

Marian and Jerry Lokey $25,000

Soon to be announced, a single gift of $425,000

Several gifts of all denominations exceeding $100,000

Additional gifts announced in late August include:

$100,000 – Market Street

$100,000 – Oncor

$ 50,000 – Strasburger & Price LLP

$ 50,000 – Sue and Jim Minyard 

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park.  Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $17 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 and Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.