BUENA PARK : Firm Wins Award for Service to Arts

The Gildred Development Co. had some extra warehouse space two years ago so the company decided to let the city use the space to store props and sets for theater productions.

Because of Gildred’s donation, the city’s Fine Arts Commission has chosen the company to receive the Elva Liesch Hughes Laureate of the Arts Award.

The award is given each year to an organization that has contributed exceptional service to the arts.

The City Council presented the award on Monday to Patricia Moore, Gildred’s property manager.

“We’re glad to help with what we consider a good community project for Buena Park,” Moore said. “We felt it was a good cause.”

Joane Evans, fine arts supervisor, said the company’s donation helps cut the city’s costs and raise the quality of the productions because sets and props can be stored and reused.

The late Elva Liesch Hughes was an original member of the city’s Fine Arts Commission, established in 1965. Winners of her award exemplify her commitment to the arts and all aspects of community life.

Given since 1984, past recipients of the arts award include the Buena Park News, Alamia Audio, Blaine Convention Services, Yamaha Corp. of America and Boys ‘N’ Berries Square Dance Club of Buena Park.

Moore, who accepted a proclamation by the council, said space at a Whittier warehouse is donated to the city on a month-to-month basis. The city has occupied the donated space--which would have cost $1,600 a month to rent--since December, 1991, she said.