Microsoft Donates $1 Million to PACE
Contact:
Cheryl Engstrom, for PACE, 425.487.0682, 
BELLEVUE, WA. (Oct 3, 2006) – The Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) proudly announces today the donation of $1 million by Microsoft, furthering the company's support for artists and arts organizations in the Puget Sound-area.
"PACE is an exciting addition to the rapidly developing Eastside community, home to a significant number of our Puget Sound-based workforce and their families," said Pamela Passman, vice president of Global Corporate Affairs at Microsoft. "We want to help create an environment where the arts will thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come. The new center for the performing arts will greatly enhance the quality of life on the Eastside and add to the growth and prosperity of the region. We are pleased to see such a dynamic center coming to Bellevue in 2009."
"This donation from Microsoft does many wonderful things for the advancement of PACE," said Richard Collins, executive director of PACE. "Most importantly, it is a resounding endorsement by an Eastside-based company known around the globe for excellence in product innovation and performance. We believe that the Microsoft donation will build our fundraising momentum. This gift also demonstrates the value of PACE to the arts and the economy in both the public and private sectors. We could not be more proud and honored to accept this donation."
In addition to the donation, Microsoft is placing a high level executive on the Board of Directors of PACE, further demonstrating the company's desire to participate in the development of the new performing arts center.
"As a future tenant in Lincoln Square's office tower, a large number of Microsoft employees will be within a block of this dynamic center," said Kemper Freeman, Jr., member of the PACE board and co-chair of the $100 Million Capital and Endowment Campaign. "Microsoft recognizes that PACE, once open, will bring a host of performances from around the world, nation, and region to the doorsteps of their employees and their clients. It's an exciting "marriage" and one that we know will make PACE even stronger."
Once completed, PACE will be a 2,000-seat premier regional center for the performing arts. Its mission will be to enrich cultural life with a wide diversity of live entertainment, arts, and education. PACE will stimulate the arts region-wide; attract new audiences; heighten arts awareness and education; provide a performance home for select area arts organizations; and serve as a cultural center for the Eastside.
PACE plans to open in 2009 in downtown Bellevue on the corner of NE 10th Street and 106th Avenue NE. The $100 Million Capital and Endowment Campaign has raised nearly $16 million in cash and pledge donations.