FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Ron Thiele, Executive Director
Central New York Community Arts Council
315-724-1113

"The Northern Safety Stanley Theatre Expansion Telethon a Big Hit
Stanley Expansion Campaign Off to Flying Start"

UTICA - The public phase of the Stanley Expansion Campaign got off to an
extraordinarily strong start with an overwhelmingly generous outpouring of
regional support on the Northern Safety Stanley Theatre Expansion Telethon,
Wednesday night, February first. Telethon support totaled $180,665, a figure
well above telethon goals.

“We knew the support for the Stanley and the Expansion Project was very
strong, but this is a wonderful vote of confidence in the Stanley
Expansion.” said Stanley Expansion Public Campaign Co-chair Steven Merren.

Arts Council Executive Director Ron Thiele commented, “We are deeply
grateful and strongly encouraged by the great show of support for the
Stanley Expansion Project by the people of the region.”

Over $15.2 million dollars or 90% of the 16.9 million dollar has now been
raised for the Stanley Expansion Project. Public donations are leveraged by
this great show of support for the Stanley Expansion Project from
businesses, elected officials, foundations and individuals.

One popular new program launched on the Stanley Telethon was the opportunity
to endow seats at the Stanley Theatre for as little $250 and as much as
$2500. While all types of support larger and smaller were gratefully
accepted, the limited Stanley seat endowment opportunities proved popular.
Information about the Stanley Theatre seat endowment program and the Stanley
Expansion Project is available by calling 315-724-1113 or online at
stanleyworldstage.com.

The Northern Safety Stanley Theatre Expansion Telethon was sponsored by
Northern Safety Co., Inc., Nirvana Spring Water, Northland Communications,
Clifford Fuel Co., Inc., McCraith Beverages, Dr. Michael Kelberman, UFCW
Local One and Empire Recycling Corporation.

Funding for the Stanley Expansion Campaign includes key support from Senator
Raymond Meier, Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, Governor George Pataki, Senator
Hillary Clinton, Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, County Executive Joe Griffo,
the Oneida County Legislature, Mayor Tim Julian as well as the Community