Modesto businessman Dan Costa and his family have made a $1 million donation to the Gallo Center for the Arts for the purpose of increasing access to the arts among low income children and their families.
The parameters of the donation have not been determined, but the funds will likely be used to purchase tickets and to offset the costs for taking part in some youth productions staged at the Center.
“After meeting with directors of the Gallo Center, we were pleased to find their goals very much aligned with our own,” Costa said. “With school budgets at an all time low, we hope this gift is able to provide part of the well rounded education the children of Modesto could be left without. We encourage others to join us in bringing Gallo Center programs to our community’s youth. Even small donations of $20 or $100 can make a big difference, bringing in groups of children to experience a performance at the Center.”
Ron Emerzian, chairman of the Gallo Center’s board of directors, indicated the plaza in front of the non-profit performing arts center is to be renamed in honor of the family.
“The Board and staff of the Center are deeply appreciative of the Costa’s generosity,” said Emerzian. “It will enable wonderful opportunities to enrich young minds. We hope their gift will stimulate others to provide additional funding to make arts available to all children, but especially those who have limited access to the Center.”
Costa began his role as an entrepreneur in 1976 when he opened the Velvet Creamery ice cream and sandwich shop at age 21. He expanded the eatery into a 29-unit chain. Along the way he opened an additional restaurant and other food service businesses. He later acquired the Modesto-based outdoor clothing company Royal Robbins Inc. and then launched 5.11 Tactical. In 2007, the company was sold to Boston private equity firm TA Associates, though Costa retains a 20 percent interest and continues as chief executive officer.
In other news, the Gallo Center for the Arts announced Monday that they will serve as a ticket outlet for the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge and X Fest.
The agreement, effective immediately, covers telephone and walk-up sales at the Center’s ticket office. Online sales for Fat Cat and X Fest will continue to be provided by tickets.com.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
The parameters of the donation have not been determined, but the funds will likely be used to purchase tickets and to offset the costs for taking part in some youth productions staged at the Center.
“After meeting with directors of the Gallo Center, we were pleased to find their goals very much aligned with our own,” Costa said. “With school budgets at an all time low, we hope this gift is able to provide part of the well rounded education the children of Modesto could be left without. We encourage others to join us in bringing Gallo Center programs to our community’s youth. Even small donations of $20 or $100 can make a big difference, bringing in groups of children to experience a performance at the Center.”
Ron Emerzian, chairman of the Gallo Center’s board of directors, indicated the plaza in front of the non-profit performing arts center is to be renamed in honor of the family.
“The Board and staff of the Center are deeply appreciative of the Costa’s generosity,” said Emerzian. “It will enable wonderful opportunities to enrich young minds. We hope their gift will stimulate others to provide additional funding to make arts available to all children, but especially those who have limited access to the Center.”
Costa began his role as an entrepreneur in 1976 when he opened the Velvet Creamery ice cream and sandwich shop at age 21. He expanded the eatery into a 29-unit chain. Along the way he opened an additional restaurant and other food service businesses. He later acquired the Modesto-based outdoor clothing company Royal Robbins Inc. and then launched 5.11 Tactical. In 2007, the company was sold to Boston private equity firm TA Associates, though Costa retains a 20 percent interest and continues as chief executive officer.
In other news, the Gallo Center for the Arts announced Monday that they will serve as a ticket outlet for the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge and X Fest.
The agreement, effective immediately, covers telephone and walk-up sales at the Center’s ticket office. Online sales for Fat Cat and X Fest will continue to be provided by tickets.com.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
