Arts Council Silicon Valley Sets New Record for Workplace Giving Program

San Jose CA., May 12, 2005 – Arts Council Silicon Valley today announced that ArtsChoice™, the Council’s annual workplace-giving program, has raised over $115,000, a new record, breaking the $100,000 plateau for the third consecutive year in support of local arts organizations. It is only the third time in 14 years that the program has topped $100,000.

"I am amazed at how this program continues to grow, despite the economic downturn," said Arts Council Executive Director Bruce W. Davis. "This clearly demonstrates that the arts and cultural make-up of our community is an invaluable component to the employees that live and work here." he added.

This innovative program is one of only two arts workplace-giving programs in the state. Proceeds received from ArtsChoice through payroll deductions either go directly to a designated arts organization or to the Arts Council's PARTNERS grants program for distribution to the more than 130 small and mid-sized arts and cultural organizations in Santa Clara County. ArtsChoice is often conducted simultaneously with overall workplace-giving campaigns, which include other federations and social service agencies like the United Way.

The campaign is conducted at 17 sites throughout Santa Clara County, including companies, municipalities and universities. The employees most generous to the arts were the County of Santa Clara at nearly $40,000 - the most the Arts Council has ever received from one worksite - making up nearly 35% of the total amount received from the campaign. The City of San Jose was the second highest at approximately $33,000 and Stanford University employees gave nearly $21,000, the third most this year.

The proceeds received from ArtsChoice are particularly meaningful for the smaller arts groups that may not have the resources to run their own campaigns or even to have dedicated fundraising staff. The campaign also provides Silicon Valley companies and their employees with an additional philanthropic option for contributing to a cause that directly impacts their personal lives and the communities in which they work and live. This block of individuals has been some of the most steadfast supporters of the arts through the Arts Council, raising more than $850,000 over the past 10 years.

"We are so proud of the role our employees have played in supporting local arts and culture through the ArtsChoice program." Said John Guthrie, Chair of the 2005 County of Santa Clara Combined Giving Campaign. "Arts Council Silicon Valley has provided our employees with valuable opportunities to contribute to the arts in our community, the rest has been up to them."

About Arts Council Silicon Valley
Incorporated in 1983, Arts Council Silicon Valley is an independent, nonprofit arts agency dedicated to providing funding and advocacy support, and fundraising and marketing services to the region’s arts organizations and artists. As the official state/local partner with the California Arts Council and the County of Santa Clara, Arts Council Silicon Valley is now the largest nonprofit arts council in the state. Over the past 12 years, the Arts Council has distributed nearly $7 million to local arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, schools, and community groups.