The Community Arts Center is the recipient of a generous $3,000 donation from Truist, through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program. The funding will support the CAC’s approved educational programs, which include the Student Summer Stock, Educational Series and The Nutcracker production.
“Our purpose at Truist is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Truist Market President Dan Belk. “We’re proud to partner with the Community Arts Center and hope this support helps inspire a new generation of students and performers.”
Representatives gather to observe Truist's donation to the Community Arts Center (from left): Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for CAC development; Amira Hanifah, branch leader, Truist; Stacey Branning, vice president/branch leader, Truist; Jim Dougherty, CAC executive director.
The historic 2,100-seat venue has been designated as an Educational Improvement Organization under the EITC program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for providing high quality, innovative educational programs. EITC-approved businesses can take their state tax dollars and invest them in support of the educational programs the CAC offers to local students and then claim 75 percent of that donation as a credit to offset their state tax bill. The credit can increase to 90 percent if the commitment to donate funds is made for two consecutive years.
Jim Dougherty, executive director of the CAC, said “We rely strongly on EITC funds to help develop arts and culture throughout our region, and Truist’s contributions are essential to that mission. Their generosity allows us to present quality performances from all over the world to area students through our Educational Series and other vital programs.”
In addition to EITC support, funding for the educational programs is derived from various sources, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships and grants. These partnerships help to secure the CAC’s long-term sustainability and ability to carry out its mission to enhance the quality of life for the community by providing exceptional arts and entertainment events and participatory activities, appropriate to the diverse needs and interests of our region while ensuring accessibility to all.
“By contributing to the CAC through the EITC program, area businesses can receive tax credits while making a positive impact,” said Ana Gonzalez-White, college relations officer for CAC development. “It’s really a win-win, and we certainly appreciate Truist being a partner in our efforts to provide quality educational programming to the area youth.”
For more information about CAC giving opportunities, email Gonzalez-White or call 570-327-7657.
The Community Arts Center is owned and operated by Pennsylvania College of Technology, a national leader in applied technology education.
About Truist
Truist Financial Corp. is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $536 billion as of March 31. Truist Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.