The EACC Foundation, in conjunction with the Development Office, is in the planning and volunteer development stage of a proposed $8,000,000 Capital Campaign. The "Campaign for the Arts ... Take Center Stage" will provide funds to construct a Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the EACC campus.

The Center will be located just west of the Learning Resource Center and will be the first building seen as students and visitors enter the campus.

• A 33,730 square foot building situated at the entrance to the EACC campus.
• A 1,011 seat state-of-the-art Theater with sophisticated lighting, sound, stage rigging, mechanical systems and orchestra pit.
• Two Classrooms that will double as dressing areas for performances.
• A Presentation Gallery and Reception area for exhibits and gatherings.
• An Endowment for continuing operational support and scholarships.
• A Contingency Fund for design alterations and unanticipated cost increases and expenses.
• The cost of the Campaign for printing, copying, mailing, accounting, and support, as well as, expenses for recognition of contributors and volunteers.

The Campaign is fortunate to have Dr. Dale Morris as the Campaign Chair. Dr. Morris, a Forrest City Optometrist, serves on the EACC Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board of Directors.

"I am proud to be involved in this Capital Campaign. The Center for Fine and performing Arts will be a tremendous asset for all the students attending college at EACC as well as the citizens of eastern Arkansas. With this Center we will be able to provide the finest Fine Arts education to our students and provide to all people an opportunity to see and hear many cultural and entertaining programs. The Center for Fine and Performing Arts will be something all of us can be proud to have and support. I want to encourage all citizens to participate in this Campaign to make this long time dream a reality."

Dr. Morris has completed the recruitment of his key campaign leadership. This trio of community leaders will each chair phases of the campaign based on the level of gifts being solicited. This "Campaign for the Arts...Take Center Stage" capital campaign will help EACC develop the resources to construct and furnish a Center for Fine and Performing Arts on campus.

Forrest City attorney Frank Morledge will head the Leadership Gifts committee. This group will be responsible for enrolling prospects in the highest giving category, those capable of a contributory investment of $300,000 or more.

The Patron Gifts committee will be chaired by Sarah Easley of Forrest City. Sarah’s team will pursue those potential contributors in the mid-range giving category. Patron gift prospects are rated in the range $15,000 to $150,000.

"A Fine Arts Center at East Arkansas Community College is long overdue," said Sarah Easley. "The opportunities and rewards that will be brought to this region by having this center are endless. I am excited to help bring this promising project to fruition."

Wynne businessman Bill Thomas is responsible for the Community Gifts phase. His committee will provide the opportunity for everyone capable of donating $15,000 or less to get involved.

Dr. Morris, as Chair of this $8,000,000 effort, will lead this group through the organization of their committees and coordinate their work so that everyone with an interest in supporting this program can do so at an appropriate giving level.

The three committees are now working to recruit representatives from each of the EACC primary service counties of Cross, Lee, Monroe, St. Francis and Woodruff. The advanced (Silent) portion of the campaign will continue several months with a formal public kickoff held early in the new year.

In April and May the EACC Foundation and the Campaign Committee presented two fund raising events to generate income and community awareness of the upcoming campaign. The Fantasticks Dinner Theater, sponsored by Don and Ellen Edmondson, drew some 160 participants.

Forrest City Grocery and David and Marsha Cohn were the driving forces behind "A Night with the Beach Boys." Nearly 600 people enjoyed this dinner and concert.

These two events provided attendees with a quality musical play and upbeat concert that demonstrated the kind of stage performances that could become a reality for citizens of the east Arkansas Delta.