from Target for 2009 Spring Performance at State�s Capitol
Alton, Il (November 18, 2008) � Alton Youth Symphony today announced a partnership with Target� in recognition of its efforts in providing musical and educational experiences of youth and citizens in the community of Alton, Illinois. The grant will be used to support the annual spring tour, which this year, in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of AYS, will be to Springfield, Illinois, where the young musicians will perform in the rotunda of the State's Capitol.
"We hope that the publicity for the event will excite our community, resulting in an influx of interested young artists to replace our graduating 8th graders, and raise the awareness of our state legislators of the importance of funding arts and education in our communities", said Joseph Cacciottoli the President of the Alton Youth Symphony Board.
This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week.
"At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "We're proud to partner with [nonprofit organization] as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work."
Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to
inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:
� Take Charge of Education�, a school fundraising program;
� Target Field Trip Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life
for students through the distribution of grants;
� Ready.Sit.Read!, a program dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in
children at an early age;
� Target House�, which serves as a home away from home for families of children
receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital� in
Memphis;
� Target Volunteers, a program where Target team members and retirees annually
donate more than 350,000 hours of time to more than 7,500 community-
based projects.
About Alton Youth Symphony
The Alton Youth Symphony was formed in 1969 to extend musical opportunities to area youths and is still touching young lives today! The orchestra benefits up to 100 student musicians each year. Believing that an investment in our children's future offers the greatest returns, AYS is the only youth orchestra in the region that does not charge a membership fee for students and offers scholarships for private lessons and music camps to deserving members. Governed by a fifteen member board of directors, the Youth Symphony was formed to further the musical opportunities for youth in the greater Alton area and contribute to the development of a stronger community through fine arts education. Its members are young musicians in grades 6-8 that play string, wind, and percussion instruments in a full orchestral setting. In addition to generous contributions from individuals and businesses in the area, AYS also receives support from the Illinois Arts Council and Madison County Arts Council.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at more than 1,600 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs.
Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joe Cacciottoli-Alton Youth Symphony President
(618)466-0852
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