McQuaide Blasko Law Firm Endows Cultural Learning Initiative
November 20, 2000
University Park, Pa.– The State College-based law firm of McQuaide Blasko has pledged $300,000 to fund the McQuaide Blasko Performing Arts Series at Penn State’s Center for the Performing Arts. The endowment, which will support programming devoted to children and families, will be merged with a previous endowment from the firm to create a new program called Cultural Learning Initiative with McQuaide Blasko (CLIMB).

"We strongly believe that artistic programs designed to capture the imaginations of children promote enrichment of our youth, education and the future of our community," said April Chamberlain Simpson, a McQuaide Blasko attorney who serves as the firm’s liaison to the Center concerning the endowment. "We believe that the CLIMB acronym nicely describes the integrated program we support–specifically, a program which funds artistic performances targeted for families and children, and which includes an artist-in-residence component associated with each performance."

CLIMB will support the center’s efforts in identifying and presenting outstanding children’s performing arts programs. It will also provide opportunities for central Pennsylvania children to experience the performing arts by attending performances at the center and interacting with individual performers as part of their in-school educational experience.

McQuaide Blasko’s previous endowment, known as Kidz ‘n’ Starz, supported an artist-in-residence program that has brought together local children and artists performing at the Center. Last season, children experienced intimate-setting performances by singer-songwriter Tom Chapin. Students from State College-area dance studios attended a master class with the Miami City Ballet Company’s ballet mistress. And young magic enthusiasts gained slight-of-hand insights from Michael Moschen, a master of illusion.

"McQuaide Blasko’s commitment to educating our next generation of audience members is a valuable asset to our community," said Susan Stockton, director of the Center for the Performing Arts. "In particular, the depth of their investment is a model of university and town partnership–a definite win-win collaboration."

This season McQuaide Blasko will support outreach opportunities with Omaha Theatre for Young People's production of Come Back, Amelia Bedelia; Aeros, a melding of art and athleticism featuring the talents of former members of the Romanian Gymnastics Team and a trio of innovative dance choreographers; and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, one of the nation’s finest pre-professional classical music ensembles.

McQuaide Blasko, which employs 28 attorneys and 40 other professional staff, is the largest general practice law firm in Centre County. The firm also serves Dauphin and Cumberland Counties through an office in Hershey.