THOUSAND OAKS : Donors Boost Arts Plaza Endowment

The endowment fund supporting Thousand Oaks’ Civic Arts Plaza has topped $3.6 million, as corporate and individual contributions pick up now that the grand opening is just seven months away.

Rockwell International, represented locally by the Rockwell Science Center in Thousand Oaks and the Rocketdyne rocket engine plant in Canoga Park, on Thursday pledged $100,000 to the cultural center. To recognize the gift, Rockwell’s name will be affixed to a set of box seats in the balcony.

In a flurry of new pledges announced this week, Bank of America upgraded its donation from $30,000 to $50,000. The additional gift qualifies the corporation for membership in the Founders Circle, a club of major donors with special ticket privileges.

Other recent additions to the Founders Circle include: Westlake Village resident Mark Mahone; alliance campaign chairman Stephen Woodworth and his wife, Robin; and theater Commissioner Harry Selvin and his wife, Gerelda.

Founders Circle Chairman Larry Janss recently challenged the Alliance for the Arts to raise its endowment goal from $3 million to at least $7 million .