Santa Barbara Bowl American Classic Capital Campaign Announces $2,000,000 Matching Grant

The Board of Directors of the Santa Bowl Foundation is pleased to announce that an anonymous foundation has issued a second two-to-one Matching Challenge Grant to the American Classic Capital Campaign for the renovation and restoration of the historic 1936 WPA Bowl. This new challenge requires the American Classic Campaign to raise $2,000,000 in new and increased gifts by December 31, 2008, and an additional $2,000,000 by June 30, 2009, which will generate an additional $2,000,000 from the anonymous foundation donor, producing a total of $6,000,000. All campaign contributions received between now and the two deadlines will qualify for this matching grant. The anonymous foundation’s creative generosity has already led to the successful completion of a prior $1,000,000 matching grant in 2006. Those funds were integral to completing the new Pavilion, a stone, copper and steel proscenium that sits atop the stage and enables top-tier acts to play the Bowl. All money from the new matching challenge grant will be applied directly to future construction and renovation efforts.“We continue to be grateful for the generosity of the Santa Barbara community for its beloved Bowl,” said Scott Brittingham, Capital Campaign Chairman. We currently stand at $13,602,975, with 151 donors, and this second anonymous challenge creates an exciting opportunity for the community to participate financially and continue to the next phase of our renovation and restoration master plan.”Construction for the Pavilion and the elegant Angie and Stephen Redding Gate, forming the entrance to the Glen, will be completed this summer. The natural outdoor wooded Glen will be re-landscaped this winter with densely planted specimen oaks and lush banks of plantings indigenous to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet and we are all so fortunate to live here, said Board President Paul Dore. “The extraordinary, anonymous generosity of this foundation, along with the anticipated response of so many new and increased donations, will make it possible for us to protect and preserve this unique, world-class venue for the benefit of our artists and constituency well into the future. Future elements in the American Classic Campaign include:The Glen re-introducing native plantings in the wood Glen.The Overlook – an upper-level terrace with concessions and restrooms.Seating upgraded patron seating. Expanded Box Office and Lower Plaza facilities including improved traffic and entry areas.Endowment for Bowl Education Outreach Program