Building Community: Making Waves Community Celebrates California Theatre Re-Opening
by Making Waves Foundation
Making Waves Foundation leaders recently joined state, city, and community leaders at a celebratory ribbon cutting event at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, California this past November.
The historic performing arts theater has been closed for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and construction meant to increase seating, reinforce support for the balcony, and improve lighting and other systems. Making Waves founders, John H. and Regina K. Scully, donated in support of the renovation.
“This ribbon cutting is such a win for our community, for youth, and for the arts,” said Vice President of Community Development and Social Impact at Making Waves Foundation Dr. Carey Hawkins Ash.
“Our hope is that the expanded capacity will mean more ticket sales and increased financial support for after-school arts programs. We’re proud to partner with the Pittsburg community to achieve this historic milestone,” he shared.
“It was inspiring to have our community come together for the ribbon cutting event at the historic California Theatre,” shared Former City of Pittsburg Mayor Holland White.
“We are grateful for Making Waves Foundation’s ongoing partnership with our community and especially for their support of our youth in Pittsburg,” White said.
Making Waves Foundation has been partnering with the Pittsburg Unified School District for the past three years, committing funding to support higher education opportunities. The foundation provides workshops and advising around getting into and affording college for juniors and seniors at Pittsburg High School as well as the opportunity to apply for college scholarships and coaching through its college success program.
Currently, 32 Pittsburg High graduates are a part of this Making Waves college success program, including 14 graduates who started attending college this fall. Making Waves Foundation also recently launched an AI college advisor, a free chatbot resource for students and families to access admissions, financial aid, and other resources.
ABOUT MAKING WAVES FOUNDATION
With a unique focus on college attendance and graduation, Making Waves Foundation supports historically underrepresented and underserved students in pursuing their dreams. Making Waves Academy is a public charter school in Richmond, California, educating early 1,200 students and Making Waves Foundation’s college success program, known as CAP, provides coaching, scholarships, financial literacy, and career support for more than 500 college students as well as a network for more than 600 Wave-Maker alumni.
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