Citizens gives $25,000 to Providence Black Rep

PROVIDENCE – The Citizens Bank Foundation last night announced a $25,000 grant to the Providence Black Repertory Company for the nonprofit theater’s “Save the Ceiling Fund.”
“When we heard that one of our community partners – a past Citizens Bank/NBC 10 Champion in Action – was in trouble, we responded,” said Joseph J. MarcAurele, president of Citizens Bank of Rhode Island.
“Black Rep has contributed to the development of artists, the education of youth and the cultural expansion of our community by offering widely accessible, free and low-cost programming. We are proud to assist during its time of need.”
The organization’s café / performance space at 276 Westminster St. – typically open Monday through Saturday for public programming– was forced to close for repairs after a portion of the ceiling collapsed.
“Providence Black Rep cannot thank Joe MarcAurele and Citizens Bank enough for the support that they’ve shown us, time and time again,” Donald W. “Don” King, the nonprofit’s executive and artistic director, said last night in accepting the new grant.
“From recognizing us as a Champions in Action award recipient, to consistently underwriting our events, and now supplementing lost revenue resulting from the unexpected damage to our ceiling, Citizens Bank has once again proven to be a valuable and reliable friend of our artists, patrons and staff.”
The Providence Black Repertory Company, founded in 1994, is a nonprofit organization focusing on the production and presentation of artistic performances based on the cultural traditions of the African Diaspora. It is a co-founder of the city’s annual Sound Session festival and a supporter and promoter of the jazz/soul/afro-beat group Neon Soul Collective. To learn more, visit www.blackrep.org.
The Citizens Bank Foundation – a charitable-contributions vehicle of Citizens Bank, a division of the Providence-based Citizens Financial Group Inc. – focuses on programs in community development, housing and basic human needs. To learn more, visit www.citizensbank.com.