ACC Maintains Momentum with Donations
For IMMEDIATE Release
January 22, 2009
Contact: Mary Vail Grube
214-495-5800
About 100 eager individuals crowded in to the education building at Our Lady of Angels Church in Allen for an update on the Arts of Collin County. Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County Commission (ACCC) announced two new donations totaling $350,000.
Simpson recognized Ralph Stow, founder and president of the Plano Arts and Cultural
Endowment (PACE) for a donation of $250,000 to the capital campaign. PACE was founded by Stow to support local arts, cultural and education organizations. The donation will be recognized by the naming of the PACE classroom in the Performance Hall.
Simpson also recognized the Lantana Educational Foundation for the donation of $100,000 to the capital campaign. Rick Strauss founded the Lantana Foundation and is chairman and CEO of Republic Property Group. Simpson commented that this is an example of a developer helping build the community where the developer will be doing business.
Steve Matthews, president of the Arts of Collin County Board of Directors, introduced Bobby
Baggett, the ACCC’s new board member.
The Plano, Frisco and Allen City Councils approved the appointment of Bobby Baggett to the
vacant At-Large seat on the ACC. Approval of the appointment was required by the three member cities.
Baggett will fill the term until the next expiration on September 30, 2011. Mayor Maso gave up his “At-Large” seat on the commission at the time of his election as Mayor of Frisco. It is the intention of the member cities to expand the commission to seven members, two from each city and one At-Large member. Details are under consideration at this time.
“As you may know, I’ve been involved in this project since the early stages,” Baggett said in his letter of intent to the councils. “I am eager to continue to support the project and assist in bringing the vision to reality as an at-large representative on the board.”
Baggett is the managing partner of Valeo Capital LLC. Located in Plano, Valeo Capital is a
private equity firm specializing in investments and advisory services in middle-market, basic-industry and platform technology companies.
He also has served on numerous community boards including the Plano Symphony, Star
Children’s Charity of Collin County, PISD Education Foundation and Plano Arts and Cultural
Endowment.