Leveillee a patron of ballet

Gary J. Leveillee, mortgage banking officer at Webster Bank, is a recent honoree of the bank’s “80 Days of Giving” employee volunteer campaign, during which Leveillee’s efforts earned $1,000 for the Providence Ballet Theatre.

How were you first exposed to the Providence Ballet? Why did you choose to support the Providence Ballet in particular?

I was exposed to Providence Ballet at the old location on Eddy Street that was destroyed in a fire. Providence Ballet survived and relocated to the current location on Oxford Street, which is an old firehouse. I chose Providence Ballet Theatre since they are a small arts organization that has endured good times and bad, and continues to delight thousands of inner-city children every year.

Why is it important to expose inner-city children to the performing arts?

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It is important to expose inner-city kids to the performing arts because it gives them an outlet to release stress. It can also be educational, since math and science both come into play with dance. Being able to experience dance in person helps makes it not only tangible, but attainable. In many cultures, dance – mainly ballet – is considered elitist. Exposing inner-city children to a company of diverse artists helps to break this misconception. It is a positive way children can express themselves in a safe environment. Over 4,000 kids per year are brought to Providence Ballet performances and Providence schoolchildren get to attend for free.

Why is it important for members of the business community to donate time, money or other resources to local nonprofits?

Funds for the arts have become less available, and the need falls to the business community to assist the small arts organizations. The members of the dance community should also donate time, money and resources. Without private and corporate help, arts organizations will not be able to continue to bring their art to local communities. The delight on the face of a young dancer or audience member makes it all worthwhile. •

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