(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts has received a grant in the amount of $20,000 from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The grant will fund the Basie’s “Curtains Up For Kids” school bus-in program, as well as its “Kids Shows at the Basie” series of family programming.
“This grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey will enable the Basie Center to continue its important work in creating programming for schools, and attracting popular children’s titles so that families may experience the joy of theater,” said Maria Sorensen, Vice President, Development, Count Basie Center for the Arts. "We are very grateful for the Horizon Foundation’s support of these initiatives.”
The Basie’s “Curtains Up For Kids” school performances program combines an educational, onstage performance with pre- and post-show visits from teaching artists, classroom materials and – for many students – their first dose of live theater. More than 40,000 students have participated in “Curtains Up For Kids” programs since 2013.
The organization’s “Kids Shows at the Basie” series delivers an assortment of family-friendly programming each year, like onstage adaptations of childhood favorites like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “Goodnight Moon” to performances starring favorites like Daniel Tiger and Peppa Pig.
“We are pleased to support the Count Basie Center for the Arts,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey works closelywith grantees who share our commitment to expand access to the arts and improve the quality of life throughout New Jersey communities.”
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that reflect the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity. The Basie Center has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tony Bennett, Sophia Loren and Ringo Starr. Count Basie Center programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to working alongside those who can help us improve our neighbors’ health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Foundation’s mission is to support organization’s that make New Jersey healthier. The Foundation has three funding pillars, Caring, Connecting and Creating. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, both of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
PHOTO: L-R Basie grant writer Heather O'Keefe, VP of Development Maria Sorensen, and CEO President Adam Philipson stand with Jennifer Goudy of the Horizon Foundation
