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Your regional community center for arts, education, and recreation.





Support the Kenan Center!

2008 Annual Fundraising Campaign Underway

Download a donation form here so that your contribution can be put to work more quickly!

This past year in which we celebrated the Kenan Center’s 40th anniversary stimulated much reflection on what the institution means to the community. What emerged was an infectious sense of renewed commitment, increased levels of support, and a clear message that it is our positive impact on the community that continues to be most valued by those we serve.

As we take the first steps into our 41st year, we're asking for your continued support by making a contribution that will have an impact on the Kenan Center and the more than 40,000 served annually by its 50+ programs and events. Your support helps us to preserve and maintain this historic treasure that is a valued community asset for you and your family, and many others, to enjoy.

Will your contribution make a difference? See for yourself. On the reverse side are some of the personal experiences shared by people who were directly benefited through Kenan Center programs. They are students, volunteers, retirees, teachers, artists—people whose lives were impacted in meaningful, and oftentimes life-altering, ways.

For several years, we have recognized our donors by adding an original of work of art to the Kenan Center campus. This year, we will install a new fountain in the Kenan gardens that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Donors of $250 or more will be appropriately acknowledged by name.

The goal for the 2008 effort is to raise $30,000. Your donation in any amount is greatly appreciated! To make a donation, dowload the donation form, below, and mail to: Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY, 14094.

Your donation is greatly appreciated!

Stories from Some of Those Who Have Benefited from Kenan Center Programs

Thanks to the Grigg Lewis Foundation, the Kenan Center is able to employ several student interns during the summer months. Emma Sherrie joined us in 2007, and says that her experience at the Kenan Center led her to re-evaluate her career path:
“The Kenan Center internship I was offered last summer was a great learning experience. I truly enjoyed working side-by-side with people who believe in the institution and work everyday to make it better. I never gave much thought to working for a non-profit, but this experience has opened many new doors for me. Since working there for the summer, I decided to get my non-profit management certificate in addition to my Anthropology degree. It changed my views on what non-profit organizations were and could be." --Emma Sherrie, Undergraduate Student, Kent State, Ohio

Education is the underpinning of the Kenan Center’s mission. In addition to our on-school-time program, we have engaged hundreds of young people, from Kindergarten through High School age, in a week-long performing arts residency with the acclaimed Missoula Children’s Theatre. The experience is not only memorable, but a rare chance for children of different ages to work together as an ensemble as Emily Stoll, veteran of five MCT shows points out:
“Missoula Children’s Theatre is the best group for the performing arts that I have ever worked with. Every year the Actor Directors do such a fantastic job working with us, that even the youngest cast members are able to have a great performance. And with less than a week of rehearsal! It’s really nice that the older kids and younger kids get a chance to perform together. Every year I look forward to Missoula coming to town thanks to the Kenan Center.” —Emily Stoll, shown in the title role of “Robinson Crusoe”

The Kenan Center plays a significant role in providing the community with access to visual arts through free gallery exhibits, 100 American Craftsmen, and visual arts programs for students and the public. Not only do local and regional artists benefit from exposure, they also gain personal fulfillment from the opportunities the Kenan Center provides for them to share their knowledge and expertise with others. Donald Little, an accomplished artist and docent, is one such volunteer who values the Kenan Center’s role in the community:
“As an artist and a member of the Art Committee here at Kenan, I am strongly aware of the value of this entity as a cultural center to the people of the City of Lockport. As an experienced docent, I am pleased to be a part of this program and have an opportunity to share my views of the presentations with our visitors. —Donald Little, Artist and Kenan Docent

The Kenan Center provides many opportunities for members of the community to be involved as volunteers, not only through our programs and events, but through our affiliate groups. Our volunteers provide essential support to the institution, but they also receive much in return. Joyce Lane, who has served as past president of the Kenan Arts Council, was initially attracted to the Center’s gallery exhibits, but has discovered a wealth of rewarding experiences:
“As a former teacher, the quality of the educational offerings provided by the Kenan Center have special meaning for me, in particular, the Moving Works theater experiences for students. As one who loves the theater, I see that possibility for these students as they are exposed to superb performances. What a wonderful gift! I have personally expanded my horizons with many volunteer opportunities in the Kenan Arts Council. Knowing that I am doing something positive for the community, and thinking of the wonderful new friends I have made, I know my life has been enriched. —Joyce Lane, Kenan Center Volunteer

The Kenan Center has been able to give young people in the community many opportunities for personal and career development. As one example, Lockport High School students have been able to assit on major stage productions from such national companies brought to Lockport through the Kenan Center's Family Performance Series. Teacher Mark Taylor tells us that these productions have been an enormous opportunity for his students:
"The Lockport High School stage crew has had a tremendous opportunity to work with some of finest national touring ensembles because of the Kenan Center. Over the years we’ve assisted in the production of many programs including groups from the Portland Taiko ensemble, The Kennedy Center, and Missoula Children’s Theater. These groups have provided our students valuable production experience that would normally be unavailable to them. The Kenan Center is truly a cultural jewel to the Lockport community. " --Mark Taylor, Lockport High School Teacher

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS PROVIDED BY THE KENAN CENTER:

Arts & Culutral
100 American Craftsmen
Bi-annual Art Auction
Bi-annual Quilt Show
Family Performance Series
Admission Free Gallery Exhibits
Holiday Gift Show
Holiday House
Weddings & Rentals

Education & History
ARTiculations,On-school-time Program
Family Performance Series Workshops
Lifelong Learning Program
Kindermusik
Nursery School
Restored Ladies’ Parlor
SHAKESPEARE LIVES! Buffalo Niagara
Student Gallery
Student Scholarships

Sports & Recreation
Youth Indoor & Outdoor Soccer
Lacrosse
Mom’s and Men’s Soccer Leagues
TOPSoccer
Team Sports
Volleyball

Membership

As a not-for-profit center for arts, education and recreation, the Kenan Center relies on many sources of funding, especially corporate and individual donations. Kenan Center membership is an affordable way for individuals and families to support the Center while also enjoying benefits like discounts on programs and fees, advance announcement of upcoming events, and a subscription to Kenan Connections, our quarterly newsletter. Or you can make a lasting gift through our Buy A Seat program or the purchase of a Memorial Tree.

Corporate Sponsorship

The Kenan Center offers a variety of opportunities for businesses to support vital programs that serve more than 37,000 people each year. For as little as $25 you can sponsor an All High Photo Show Award, or choose a more substantial sponsorship for such programs as the Family Performance Series, 100 American Craftsmen festival, gallery exhibits, arena signs or youth soccer team. To learn more about Corporate Sponsorships, call the Kenan Center at (716)433-2617.

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