Two new named spaces announced at SKyPAC after $150k donation
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Arts of Southern Kentucky announced two large contributions Tuesday totaling $150,000 from Mary E. Vitale and an anonymous donor.
According to a release, this has led to the naming of two SKyPAC spaces: Rehearsal Hall 2 in the Renshaw Education Center and Box Seating House Left in the Rita & Scott Concert Hall.
The Education & Rehearsal Hall 2 will be named the “Sensory Friendly Space, dedicated by Mary E. Vitale,” and the Box Seating House Left will be named “In Honor of America’s Veterans, dedicated by an anonymous donor.”
Vitale donated $100,000 for The Sensory Friendly Space,” according to the release. Arts of Southern Kentucky says due to her connection with autism, she recognizes the importance of providing a quiet space for families during various SKyPAC events.
“For them to gain an appreciation for the arts, it is beneficial to expose children to the arts at a young age. My family and I have been blessed by the community, and I want to see it continue to thrive. SKyPAC is an outstanding venue that showcases a wide variety of artistic performances, so I felt compelled to give back however I could,” said Vitale.
This sensory-friendly space is part of an ongoing Arts of Southern Kentucky initiative.
“This space is special to us because it becomes yet another place for our audiences to feel welcome and have their needs met. This opens more opportunities for us to create impactful arts experiences for all and to increase our outreach throughout the BRADD Region. We are extremely grateful to support our community’s needs,” said Arts of Southern Kentucky Education director Dillon Godolphin.
The space in SKyPAC’s education wing provides a calming environment for individuals and caretakers during overwhelming moments at public events, such as concerts or plays. Items like bean bag chairs, gel floor tiles, fidgets, weighted vests and earmuffs are provided.
The anonymous $50,000 donor expressed, “I feel like our veterans are not recognized or appreciated nearly enough as they should be. Without them, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we do in our country today. This is just a way to celebrate them and say thank you.”
The Arts of Southern Kentucky says it recognizes this as a selfless act for a worthy cause and agrees that those individuals deserve respect and honor. Naming a space that will be utilized by many will give the Veterans top-of-mind recognition and ongoing appreciation.
“I am grateful to the donors for their gifts to name these areas of our facility. The signage recognizing their gifts will be a permanent testimony to the lives they’ve changed through their generosity,” said Arts of Southern Kentucky president and CEO Jeff Reed.
In addition to these donations, the organization continues to receive extensive community support. The nonprofit says loyal patrons and donors sustain its work.
Additional opportunities are available for those who would like to support the arts in Southern Kentucky, including numerous remaining naming opportunities within the SKyPAC building. Find out more about how you can show your support at theskypac.com/contribute.
