Stewart’s Shops presented a check to the Palace Theatre , on stage before the final movie of the Summer in the City Series. Following the movie (Minions: The Rise of Gru, one of many family movies played this summer), we scooped FREE ice cream for all the kids and their families in attendance.
Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family donated $25,000 to support the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative, which aims to enhance accessibility of the Palace Theatre for individuals and groups within the surrounding community.
Susan Dake, President of Stewart’s Foundation commented, “Stewart’s Shops is committed to giving back to all our shops’ communities. We are proud to support the Palace Performing Arts Center’s Community Engagement Initiative. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive Albany, harnessing the transformative power of the arts to uplift lives and inspire positive change.”
The initiative’s primary goal is to establish the Palace Theatre as a valuable community asset in the Capital Region. By covering costs related to facility usage, local organizations engaged in theater, dance, step, and film can utilize the theatre’s facilities for practice, rehearsals, and program development on days when no other events are scheduled.
Through their Community Engagement Initiative, the Palace Theatre also offers training in workforce development, including the opportunity to become certified security guards in New York State. Moreover, the Palace Theatre extends paid internship opportunities to introduce candidates to the inner workings of the arts and entertainment industry.
This initiative fosters collaboration with non-profit and community-based groups dedicated to serving the local youth and families by providing a secure haven during the summer months. This is achieved through offerings such as the Summer in the City Movie Series, the Annual Block Party, the Safe Trick or Treat event, and various other community-oriented programs held throughout the season.
Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre stated, “Live entertainment is the cornerstone of what we do at the Palace, but collaboration and community engagement are also pillars of our success. When an organization has great partners like Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family, we are able to provide access to the Palace Theatre and present it as not just a place for great entertainment, but also a community resource to the Capital Region.”
Stewart’s Shops, Sharing With Our Communities.
Take a look at some pictures from the event!
