AT&T Foundation Donation
For more information, contact:
Sarah Andreani, AT&T Spokesperson
Office: 214-665-1326
Cell: 214-801-2215
Mary Vail-Grube, Arts of Collin County
Office: 214-509-5801
Cell: 972-679-0698
mgrube@artsofcollincounty.org
DALLAS, Dec. 4, 2008 — The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), today announced a $1 million grant to the Arts of Collin County Commission, Inc. The gift will establish the AT&T Learning Room in the Arts of Collin County Arts Hall and Arts Park – a multi-purpose arts center and surrounding arts park that is set to break ground in 2009 at State Highway 121 and Custer Road in Allen, Texas.
The new arts hall and park will allow citizens of Collin County and across the region to enjoy quality entertainment, performing and visual arts, and arts educational opportunities close to home. The performing arts center will include a 2,100 seat theater, art gallery, café, and more that will allow for a wide range of entertainment and educational opportunities in all areas of the arts: theater, vocal, orchestral and visual.
AT&T’s $1 million grant will establish the AT&T Learning Room, which will make a variety of events and learning opportunities possible – from school concert recitals to college-level lectures and community theater performances. The room will also incorporate the most current performance and meeting technology available, which will allow for live streaming of events, as well as the creation of simulcasts and podcasts.
"What a fine example of public-private partnerships," Senator Florence Shapiro said. "I applaud both AT&T, for their investment in the arts and education, and the founding communities for their artistic and cultural vision, and their commitment toward making Collin County a better place to
live, work and raise a family. AT&T's donation, establishing the AT&T Learning Room, will help
feed the artistic soul for so many, for years to come."
In 2004, the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano entered into an agreement to create the Arts of Collin County Commission, Inc. The Commission is a public/private collaboration charged with planning, designing, building and operating a multi-purpose performing arts center in Collin County. The popular community appeal of the project resulted in the approval of $57 million in bond commitments from the three cities, and the partnership is recognized as being unique in
the nation.
“We’re delighted that through AT&T’s support of the Arts of Collin County, this facility will be a premiere educational venue for the arts that will teach our young citizens skills they need to thrive in life through exposure to the arts and cutting-edge technology,” said Steve Matthews, president of the Arts of Collin County Commission Board of Directors. “AT&T’s gift supports our mission of providing ongoing educational opportunities for residents of all ages, and we’re very grateful for Senator Shapiro’s leadership in facilitating this gift.”
“As a long-time supporter of educational initiatives, we know the arts are a key component of a well-rounded education. We commend our state and local leaders for their role in encouraging the arts in Texas. We want to especially thank Senator Florence Shapiro for her continued support on this particular project, which combines arts and education,” said Holly Reed, regional vice president of External Affairs for AT&T.
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the Company’s philanthropic organization, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation’s leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America’s Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
© 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.