St. Mary’s Bank recently pledged $25,000 to The Palace Theatre’s efforts to make the theatrical experiences available to more children, especially those among underserved populations.

“Successful youth programming is a major priority for the Palace Theatre,” says Peter E. Ramsey, President and CEO of The Palace Theatre. “One of our primary objectives is to encourage children to open the doors of the Palace Theatre and cultivate lifelong interests in performing arts through hands-on opportunities.”

Ronald Rioux, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Bank notes that the Palace is “an established venue for the arts with a rich history in Manchester whose programming for New Hampshire’s young people has been excellent. Our goal with this pledge,” he says. “is to help make the Palace’s outstanding programming available to young people who wouldn’t otherwise experience it.”

The gift, which will be paid in three installments over three years, will make St. Mary’s the primary sponsor of disadvantaged students attendance at Palace performances and will allow the Palace to serve some of the New Hampshire schools that are least able to afford theatrical performances.

Of the $25,000 pledge, Rioux says, “The arts are vital to the life of a community and helping to expand the Palace’s outreach to young people in the communities we serve is at the heart of this successful partnership on the part of St. Mary’s Bank.”

About The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre is a non-profit performing arts center that provides a broad range of live, high quality, professional and community performances, as well as educational opportunities for performers and audiences of all ages. Its mission is to enrich the region's cultural life and serve as a community resource through its stewardship of the historic Palace Theatre. For more information about The Palace Theatre or to learn about upcoming programs call 603-668-5588 or visit www.palacetheatre.org.