CSMA has wish list CSMA has wish list (December 20, 2002)

Music, arts project underway at San Antonio Road site

By Evy Schiffman

If you drive down San Antonio Road between California and Central Expressway, you have probably noticed that construction crews have been changing the landscape at San Antonio Circle, located on the north side of the busy roadway.

This change has been going on ever since the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) broke ground this fall to build Silicon Valley's first center for music and arts education, which will be CSMA's permanent home.

Although the school has already raised close to $7 million from foundations, corporations and individuals toward building the 25,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, a formidable challenge still exists: raising $4.2 million to complete the campaign's $11.2 million goal.

At a time when many businesses are downsizing, supporters of the 35-year-old nonprofit remain committed to completing the capital campaign and opening the 1.6-acre campus in January 2004. When finished, the facility will include 17 music studios, art classrooms, ceramics studio, performance areas, and faculty resource center.

The school has already passed the campaign goal's half way mark, although significant donations still must be secured. Funds to complete the interior of the 200-seat concert hall, electronic arts laboratory, children's play area, gallery, and central courtyard remain high on CSMA's holiday wish list.

To establish a permanent legacy with their gift, donors can take advantage of naming opportunities offered at the campus. Such opportunities exist for contributions ranging from $25,000 (music studios) to $250,000 (children's play area, electronic arts laboratory) and above. The CSMA recently did a large mailing to parents and friends requesting end-of-the-year gifts.

Since the campus will serve thousands of residents annually who live throughout the region and promises accessibility of the arts to all, supporters hope that this inspires people to turn the organization's 2002 holiday wish list into a reality.

For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation , see www.arts4all.org or contact Capital Campaign Manager Kristina Rockhold at 650-961-0342, ext. 329.

Evy Schiffman is marketing and communications director for CSMA.