Performing Arts Center Exceeds Fundraising Goal and Secures $1 Million Matching Grant from The Russell Berrie Foundation

ENGLEWOOD, NJ – July 1, 2008 — Driven by an incredible outpouring of support from its patrons and the local community, bergenPAC announced today that it has reached its funding goal through the Capital Endowment Campaign, exceeding the amount needed to secure a matching grant of $1 million from The Russell Berrie Foundation. The success of the fundraising drive completes the second stage of bergenPAC’s three-phase growth plan and helps to ensure the center’s long-term stability.

“This is an incredible day for bergenPAC and a major victory as we enter an exciting new phase of growth. Through the tremendous generosity of our friends and patrons in the local community, as well as The Russell Berrie Foundation, we’ve taken a great step in building our future,” said Frank Huttle III, bergenPAC Chairman of the Board. “The funding we’ve secured helps create a strong foundation for bergenPAC as we continue in our mission to bring cultural enrichment and make the arts accessible to the entire community.”

The funds generated through the Capital Endowment Campaign will enable bergenPAC to expand its current programming and introduce new initiatives including the Performing Arts Academy, an accredited academic performing arts school that will foster arts education and appreciation among young adults. The Academy will include a full schedule of classes and specialized instruction, including a scholarship program for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“In addition to strengthening bergenPAC’s operational infrastructure, the funds that we have secured will help us take our youth programs to the next level with the creation of the Performing Arts Academy,” said Amelia Gold, Trustee and Chairman of bergenPAC’s Education Committee. “These new programs will enable us to touch the lives of thousands of young adults and introduce many of them, for the first time, to the beauty, passion and excitement of the arts.” The success of the Capital Endowment Campaign was driven by support and donations from throughout the community, as well as significant gifts from the center’s Trustees, the Kaplen Foundation, in addition to other Foundations. bergenPAC will now move into the third stage of its three-phase growth plan, having raised more than $6 million in phase two. Phase three will include further broadening of programming and community outreach as well as expanding the newly created endowment.