Cerritos : Performing Arts Center Seeks Donors, Volunteers

The city has formed a group to provide financial and volunteer support for the new $60-million arts center, which opens Jan. 13 with Frank Sinatra. The group, called Friends of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, has levels of support ranging from a Friend at $50 to the Platinum Circle for donations of $10,000 or more.

Depending on how much they contribute, donors will be eligible for such benefits as special events, recognition in programs or the Donor’s Wall, preferred parking and “meet the artists” activities.

In addition to seeking financial contributions, the center is recruiting volunteers to usher, take tickets, greet theatergoers, operate the boutique and conduct tours of the center. There is a “Junior Friends” group for student volunteers.

The city will send out mailers in the next two weeks seeking donations from 7,000 people who bought four or more tickets for performances during the first season. The city also is soliciting donations from foundations and corporations.

Victor Gotesman, center manager, said the city wants to build a $20-million endowment within the next five years. Interest on the money would be used to support the center. Information about the “Friends” group is available from Cynthia Doss at (310) 916-8510.