Clockwise from left: Ribbon cutting, James Hayden speaks on behalf of his family's committment, Carl Frankel and Kathy Bestwick, co-presidents of the Hazleton Art League, speak to donors. Photos by Joseph Pecora.
ART CENTER RIBBON CUTTING
On May 19, 2021, donors, partners, and public officials gathered on the plaza of the new CAN DO Community Park to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Hayden Family Center for the Arts. The event turned the page on the eight year-long effort to renovate the historic Security Savings Bank on Broad Street as the cornerstone of the downtown’s revitalization plan. The building serves as the new home of the Hazleton Art League.
More than 70 local families, individuals, private corporations and charitable foundations contributed to the Banking on the Arts Capital Campaign, which was launched back in 2018 by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress. In total the campaign raised more than $1.2 million to match state grant funds awarded to the city, which were dedicated to the restoration efforts. The largest gift was made collectively by the Hayden Family, and hence the naming of the center recognizes this contribution.
Contributions are still being accepted! Download a pledge form here or contact Krista Schneider at kschneider@downtownhazleton.org for giving opportunities.