Grand “Sidewalk Of Stars” Campaign Enters Public Phase
This week, The Grand 1894 Opera House launched the second phase of its Sidewalk of Stars initiative — part of a comprehensive plan designed to preserve and upgrade a unique community showplace, enhance current programming, and to create new opportunities to inspire and entertain audiences of the future.
The first phase of the Sidewalk of Stars campaign, begun in 2007, raised more than $5.9 million. Phase Two, delayed by Hurricane Ike, began this week with demolition of the sidewalk in front of The Grand, making way for construction of a sidewalk of inlaid permanent bronze stars that will honor supporters of the campaign.
The stars, reminiscent of the Milky Way against a dark sky, are sized from 6” to 12”– depending on the amount of campaign contribution. Gifts to honor friends, family members, individual contributors, businesses, and foundations will become part of The Grand’s legacy in this elegant walkway to the theatre. The Grand’s Sidewalk of Stars will have a total of 125 stars, 58 of which are already designated.
Generous contributions received during the first phase of The Grand’s Capital-Endowment Campaign and Sidewalk of Stars initiative have already funded a wide range of facility upgrades and enhancements. Among them are upgrades to the ticketing system and stage equipment; replacement of windows for hurricane protection and energy conservation; brick repairs on the entire façade of the building; and new restrooms on the Mezzanine level.
For more information about the Sidewalk of Stars campaign and contribution levels, contact Development Director Virginia Weber at 409.763.7173, ext.5055, or call 800.821.l894. The Grand is located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown Galveston. |
