PressReleasesOct

October 27, 2001, Oakland, CA -
The Skyline PTSA Performing Arts Committee has announced that the Gala Dedication of the Rawley T. Farnsworth Theater at Skyline High School will take place on the
evening of Saturday, June 1. The Committee has been working for two years to modernize the facility at Skyline, which is home to the Skyline Performing Arts Academy as well as being an important meeting place and educational venue for the entire student body.
The June event will be an invitation-only reception and performance for contributors to the modernization project, and will mark the official re-naming of the facility in honor of Rawley T. Farnsworth, Skyline's distinguished drama teacher 1968-1982. (Tom Hanks got his start as an actor on the Skyline stage, under the direction of Rawley Farnsworth.) Attendees of the event will include many Skyline alumni including major contributor Tom Hanks (class of '74), Rawley Farnsworth along with many other past and present Skyline faculty, members of the Skyline community, and community leaders.

"We're planning a very special evening to thank our contributors,"says Kathy Kahn, co-chair of the Performing Arts Committee. "Some of our talented students will perform, we'll show off our facility and new equipment, and we'll treat people to one of the most thrilling celebrations in Skyline's history."

To raise money for the final phase of the facility modernization, the Committee has applied for numerous grants, and is running "Buy A Seat" fundraiser. Supporters at the $100 level can have their names engraved on a brass plate attached to a seat in the Skyline Theater, and then will be invited to sit in that seat for the June 1 event. Contributors at higher levels receive further privileges, including a personal letter from Tom Hanks ($1000) and acknowledgment on a large lobby plaque ($5000).

All contributions are fully tax-deductible.