FLORENCE, SC – For the second straight season, Francis Marion University has received a $25,000 donation from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the Performing Arts Center’s annual Children’s Series. The gift will benefit the more than 6,000 school-aged children in the Pee Dee region who are expected to attend this year’s Children’s Series, by allowing them to attend the events at no, or a reduced cost.
The Children’s Series includes eight performances put on by traveling companies that are designed to enlighten, entertain and introduce children to learning and culture. Each show date features two performances. Children travel from schools around the Pee Dee to attend. Many of the groups turn the trip into an all-day cultural event, attending other arts and culture venues in Florence after seeing the show at the PAC.
The contribution reflects the Duke Foundation’s continued financial support of FMU and the Performing Arts Center, and of education throughout the Pee Dee. Mindy Taylor, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy in Florence, says improving the lives of children is an important mission. “The arts give students a window to the world,” says Taylor. “The arts are also a driving force in developing the vitality of a community. Programs like this enlighten our children now so they can change the landscape of this region for decades to come.”
FMU President Dr. Fred Carter lauded Duke’s continuing gift for its regional impact. “FMU is appreciative of the Duke Energy Foundation’s continued commitment,” says Carter. “This program introduces so many children to the fine arts for the first time.”
The Children’s Series is part of FMU’s ongoing commitment to the Pee Dee region, through an assortment of outreach programs, including programming at the PAC. The Children’s Series has been a significant part of that outreach. During the past three years, 83 schools from across the Pee Dee have participated in the Children’s Series.