PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Jim Dougherty, Executive Director, Journey Bank Community Arts Center; Ana Gonzalez-White, Development Director, Journey Bank Community Arts Center; Mindy Woodruff, Newberry Branch Manager, M&T Bank; Marsie Albright, Grants Administrator, M&T Charitable Foundation; Thad Will, Commercial Credit Manager, M&T Bank.

WILLIAMSPORT — The Journey Bank Community Arts Center received a $5,000 donation from M&T Charitable Foundation in support of the educational programming at the venue.

“At M&T, we believe the meaningful work of cultural organizations is vital to the prosperity of our communities. The Community Arts Center produces invaluable programming that enriches our local culture, educates young people about the power of the arts and brings together local artists of all ages to create memorable experiences for their friends and neighbors. We’re proud to support the Center’s mission and their continued growth as the largest performing arts venue in North Central PA,” shared Carmen Magistro, Northern Pennsylvania Regional President, M&T Bank.

Each year the historic theatre produces a summer stock musical or drama for junior and high school students from as many as nine school districts which includes over eight weeks of daily rehearsals and culminates with three-days of performances in late July. Another highly engaging and experience-enriched student opportunity that is offered is the annual holiday production of The Nutcracker. This collaboration with St. John’s School of the Arts Dance ensemble and Williamsport Youth Choir includes more than 125 young ballet dancers and musicians (k-12). And annually since 2007, the Arts Center provides thousands of students access to exceptional arts programming through its Educational Series that enhances the classroom curriculum of nine school districts.

“The educational programming that we provide each year for area K-12 students is always a highlight of our Performance Series, and this generous grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation is instrumental in allowing us to continue providing unique, high-quality educational experiences for learners from all over North Central Pennsylvania. We’re very grateful for their generosity,” said Jim Dougherty, executive director of the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.

Funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including EITC Funds, donations, corporate sponsorships and grants.

“This funding is making a difference, and I want to thank the M&T Charitable Foundation for recognizing how the arts can inspire and transform our youth and, by extension, our community,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, development director of the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.

For more information about giving opportunities, contact Gonzalez-White at 570-327-7657 or email awhite@caclive.com.

The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education. For more information on the college, visit www.pct.edu.