A meaningful cultural vision begins with the next generation, and the Sandler Center Foundation’s commitment to offering once-in-a-lifetime artistic experiences and unique engagement opportunities for the region’s youngest residents is stronger than ever.

As a result of our Education Takes Center Stage programming in 2012-2013, more than 5,150 students got a chance to join in on the elementary school antics of Junie B. Jones, imagine themselves under the sea with ImaginOcean, and show off their shimmering scales with The Rainbow Fish. All of these fun and fascinating shows align with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL’s).

Our young patrons, many of them experiencing a professional arts performance for the first time, are impressed by the educational and entertaining shows they see as well as by the beauty of this remarkable venue. As one second grader from Cooke Elementary in Virginia Beach noted, “This is like coming to a palace to see a show.”

About 3,860 of these students were able to attend these special matinee performances thanks to ACCESS the ARTS funding, which has provided this opportunity for more than 9,000 students from Title I schools throughout Hampton Roads since the program began three years ago. Title 1 provides funding for schools to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. An additional matinee for the 2013-2014 season will expand those numbers even further!

Beyond the matinees this season, some of the area’s most musical high school students got a chance to hone their crafts during special master classes hosted by the New York Polyphony, a vibrant all-male vocal group, and the Philadelphia Brass, a leading American brass quintet. About 40 students and teachers participated in these classes.

The funding for these amazing and transformative programs comes entirely from grants, special events, corporate, and individual donors. Our goal is to raise $50,000 every year to ensure Title I students in Hampton Roads are able to experience the arts firsthand, in a professional setting. A gift of $10 can send one student from a Title I school to a show at the Sandler Center. Thank you for your continued support for our vision of serving “every child, every grade, every year.”

Find a complete calendar of events at Sandlercenter.org.

For tickets, call 757-385-ARTS, visit CoxTix.com or stop by

the Sandler Center Box Office.

2013

As we celebrate our 6th season, we are planning for our future. Planning your legacy now will ensure that your passion for the arts will be passed down to future generations.

As you create this lasting legacy for you and your family, we hope you will consider making a planned gift to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation.

Planned Giving provides significant financial benefits to both the donor and the Foundation. When you create your estate plan with your financial advisor, there are many ways you can reduce your current or future tax burden by initiating tax-saving strategies.

Sandler Center Members were whistling a happy tune when they got a chance to take a back stage tour for a production of The King and I. They mingled with country music royalty at a meet and greet with The Time Jumpers and struck the perfect harmony at a ‘talk back’ exclusive meet and greet with The Lettermen.

These are examples of just a few of the amazing opportunities available exclusively for Sandler Center Members. Some other benefits include preshow receptions in the Wood Room for the Great Performance Series, discounts at participating Town Center businesses, and the chance to purchase tickets for upcoming shows at the Sandler Center before they go on sale to the general public.

This year, the Sandler Center welcomed 30 first-year members and

we held our first annual Membership Appreciation Reception on March 14, 2013. Looking ahead, July 2013 will be Membership Month while the year holds even more exciting members-only opportunities.

Membership dollars allow the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to keep the creative spirit of Hampton Roads alive through a wide range of performances and programs that promote education, encourage intercultural exchange and support the local economy.

For more information about becoming a Sandler Center Member, visit our website or contact Membership Coordinator Elizabeth

Nicodemus at 757-385-2787.

Leave an artistic Legacy

If you would like to inform us of your intention to leave a bequest in your will or make a planned gift, simply contact

Doris Salem at 757-385-0227 or dsalem@vbgov.com.

MEMBERSHIPThe Sandler Center Senior Education and Outreach Program, being offered for the second year as part of ACCESS the ARTS, have been designed to provide unique opportunities for Hampton Roads seniors aged 60+ to interact and learn about the arts.

With renowned dance instructor Marquita Bianca leading the way on the dance floor, this year’s participants will get a chance cha-cha and waltz to their heart’s content. The program includes lessons in Ballroom, Latin, cultural, line dances, and more throughout the eight instructional sessions from March 5 until April 26.

And what better way to show off your newfound moves than at the “Senior Prom” Grand Finale on April 26? It’s all part of “Atlantic Shores’ Dancing with the Seniors.” Classes take place every Tuesday from 12:30-2:00 p.m. in the Miller Studio Theatre.

It’s Never Too Late for the “Senior Prom”

Virginia Beach leaders recognize that a great city deserves a great center for the performing arts—a world-class, state-of-

the art space in which residents and visitors from around the world can enjoy and participate in the arts. In 2004, Virginia

Beach City Council approved a budget of $46.7 million for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, agreeing to fund $35

million of the cost toward making this center a reality.

In 2005, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation was formed. The Foundation was charged with raising the

additional $12.5 million needed to fund the project through a Capital Campaign. The City gave the Foundation until 2017

to pay off the Capital Campaign debt.

The Capital Campaign actually raised $15 million. We are pleased to report that, through generous donations from

supporters who have paid ahead of their pledge schedule, the debt to the City was paid in full in July of 2012. This allows

the Sandler Center Foundation to focus on building our endowments and expanding our programs at the Sandler Center

as a result.

There is still so much important work to be done! We now have an opportunity to secure the future of the Sandler Center

with the growth of these endowments and the increase of our programs, ensuring that this remarkable cultural landmark

remains a thriving place to experience the arts for many years to come.

Warm weather is right around the corner in Hampton Roads, and that means

fun, food and fabulous entertainment on the Plaza at the Sandler Center. Get

ready for the Fifth Annual Summer Nights at Town Center Concert Series, “YNot

Wednesdays?”. Over 27,000 Hampton Roads residents, professionals and

vacationers enjoyed the free concerts last summer.

Over the 12-week series, visitors can enjoy music ranging from folk to reggae to rock

to blues. YNot Pizza will once again serve delicious pizza, sandwiches and gelato all

season long. The Virginia Beach Farmers Market will also be there as local farmers

set-up their fresh fruits, vegetables, and other homegrown items on the Plaza. The

summer series is happy to have the support of Hampton Roads’ local business and

media sponsors.

Proceeds from YNot Wednesdays benefit the Sandler Center Foundation. Check the

Sandler Center website for dates and details including performer information and

VIP Table Reservations. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Sound Financial Footing

Warm Up to “YNot WedNesdaYs?”

centerstage

P.O. Box 66129Virginia Beach, VA 23466-6129p: 757-385-0227 f: 757-493-5450www.sandlercenter.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDNorfolk, VA

Permit No. 396

foundation Board of Directors

Annie Sandler, PresidentVincent Olivieri, Vice PresidentKatherine Willis, TreasurerJames Corzatt, TreasurerDavid Bernd J. Morgan DavisGerald DivarisLeslie DoyleCindy EarhartLouis HaddadWilliam HarrisonLaura MillerR.J. NutterRonald RipleyThomas A. RuckerArthur B. SandlerSteven B. SandlerArt WebbSteve Whitehead

Foundation Staff Emily Spruill Labows, DirectorDoris Scott Salem, Assistant Director

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES! VISIT www.sandlercenter.org

Newsletter of Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation