Stamford, CT (February 13, 2013) – On June 2, 1927, Vuono’s Palace Theatre opened its doors, offering Stamford and the surrounding areas the world’s finest performers. Original owner Mary C. Vuono had a vision – she wanted to bring the world to Stamford by presenting the best in world-class arts and entertainment. With the generous gift of a $20,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation, Stamford Center for the Arts will be able to continue this tradition of presenting the highest caliber of performers set forth by Mrs. Vuono 85 years ago.

On average, SCA brings 60,000 patrons to Downtown Stamford annually, including thousands of area children who participate in the arts education programs offered or who attend one of the children’s shows performed each season. Over the years, SCA has presented a variety of artists from pre-Broadway shows to Jazz greats B.B. King and Dave Brubeck to popular entertainment such as Third Eye Blind and Gregg Allman to children’s shows such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise & The Hare. The opportunity to expand programming and arts education will increase SCA’s presence and reach in the community, opening doors to new collaborations.

“Enriching the lives of the residents of and visitors to Stamford and educating and inspiring the next generation of artists are two of the main objectives of SCA,” said Executive Director Michael E. Moran, Jr. “The generous gift from the Fairfield County Community Foundation will enable us to continue the rich tradition of quality programming at the Palace Theatre begun by founder Mary C. Vuono and will enable us to expand our ever-growing arts education programs.”

"A strong and healthy collection of arts and culture organizations is one of the hallmarks of a thriving community," said Elaine Mintz, program director for the arts at the Foundation. "Stamford Center for the Arts is a true community asset which adds to the vibrancy of downtown Stamford and partners with many other nonprofits to offer unique programs and events to all who visit Stamford."

SCA offers a full slate of great arts and entertainment over the first half of 2013, including several presentations by our resident arts partners. For a full list, please visit www.SCAlive.org.

About the Stamford Center for the Arts
The vision of the Stamford Center for the Arts is to be the regional arts center for exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community. The SCA strives to achieve this vision by demonstrating integrity in all work and relationships, providing service and quality in all activities, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, ideas and culture, providing stewardship for the Stamford Arts community, emphasizing outreach in our community, and offering creativity in all endeavors. Major funding is provided by the Department of Economic & Community Development.

About the Fairfield County Community Foundation
The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County.  Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds.  The Foundation provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues.  It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations.  The Foundation has awarded over $151 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.  For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.