Count Basie Theatre Recipient of Two Grants

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RED BANK – The Count Basie Theatre recently received $15,000 from the OceanFirst Foundation that completes a two-year grant cycle for arts and cultural institutions.
The grant will be used for theater operations and necessary renovations.
Since 2009, the foundation has granted $60,000 to the Count Basie Theatre. The Basie also received an $8,000 grant from the Mary Owen Borden Foundation for its support of mission-driven programming, in particular the Outreach program within Red Bank Borough’s public schools. In the past three years, the Borden Foundation has granted the Basie in excess of $36,000.
“Our vision for the Count Basie Theatre is to continue to expand and amplify our role as a community asset to the county as both a performing arts venue and a leader in arts education,” said Adam Philipson, CEO of Count Basie Theatre. “We are honored by the support of these two organizations for the work we have accomplished and look forward to working with them as our vision unfolds. We are profoundly grateful for their generosity.”
Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market area.
Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed more than $23 million to more than 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties.
In recent decades, the Mary Owen Borden Founda­tion has limited its funding to New Jersey’s Mercer and Monmouth counties. The primary focus on current giving is to address the needs of disadvantaged youth and their families.
“We are happy to continue to support the work of the Count Basie Theatre’s Performing Arts Academy Outreach Program in the Red Bank Schools, “ said Quinn McKean, executive director of the Mary Owen Borden Foundation. “The Mary Owen Borden Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged.”
“The Count Basie Theatre is very grateful to both the Mary Owen Borden Founda­tion and OceanFirst Founda­tion for their support of our mission-driven programs. These foundations have been generous donors and community partners in helping the Basie bring the arts and arts education to many individuals throughout the Two River area,” said Tom Widener, chairman of the Count Basie Theatre Foundation Board of Directors.
The Count Basie Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.countbasietheatre.org.