Fox Theatre Celebrates $31,500 Gift to The Strand at Big Check Ceremony

Fox Gives Nonprofit Funder Supports Transformative Sound System Project

Press Images available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gdHjfdI95TA4I-rBk7HmIp_dHk7Zfy79

Images credit Brian Weaver Photography

MARIETTA, GA | May 17, 2024 – In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, Fox Gives, the Community Partnerships arm of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, celebrated an award of a $31,500 grant for the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (“The Strand”) through a Big Check Presentation Ceremony on May 17, 2024. The gift catalyzed The Strand’s installation of a state-of-the-art sound system which was completed in March 2024.

“This gift from Fox Gives catalyzed our community to support this much-needed project to enhance our historic auditorium’s speaker system,” said Taylor Rambo, The Strand’s Development Director. “We are now celebrating six  ‘Landmark Sponsors’ who are helping us redefine what The Strand means as a cornerstone of this community, and will be able to serve Marietta and Cobb County for years to come with this new technology.”

Andy Gaines, the Executive Director of The Strand, expressed his enthusiasm: “Thanks to Fox Gives, we now have the same high-quality speakers as the Hollywood Bowl, bringing world-class sound to Marietta. This upgrade not only preserves the historic charm of our venue but also significantly enhances the experience for our audience. With nearly 200 events in our auditorium this year alone, this new system will make a tremendous difference for everyone who comes through our doors.” 

As a treasured historic landmark, The Strand plays a vital role in the cultural and social fabric of Metro Atlanta, contributing significantly to the local arts scene and economy. 

Nearly 50 members of the community joined members of The Strand’s board of directors, staff, and community partners for the event, such as representatives from the Cobb Chamber, Marietta Visitors Bureau, Marietta Arts Council, and Cobb Travel and Tourism. The event was also attended by state-level representatives including Senator Kay Kirkpatrick of Georgia Senate District 32 and Representative Solomon Adesanya of Georgia House District 43.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Save the Fox Campaign, Fox Gives aims to bolster both economic and cultural vitality in local communities, extending from Atlanta and beyond, through its 2023-2024 grant program.

Since its inception in 2008, Fox Gives (formerly the Fox Theatre Institute)  has committed over $3.3 million across four grant categories: Preservation, Historic Structure Studies, Technical Assistance, and Urgent/Emergency Grants, each offering up to $500,000 in crucial statewide support.

Leigh Burns, Director of the Fox Theatre Institute shared, “Now in our 15th year, [Fox Gives] has had a tremendous opportunity to increase not only the preservation of historic theatres, but to see positive results for the ongoing economic and cultural impact created in their surrounding downtowns. We have many exciting plans for the next 15 years and look forward to continuing investing, but also expanding, the footprint of programs here at the Fox.”

Fox Gives  also manages various outreach initiatives such as “Fox in a Box,” a complimentary educational program for Georgia’s elementary schools; Georgia Presenters, a unique statewide talent booking network; and Preservation Grants, which offer exclusive funding options for historic theatre preservation.

For more information, please visit www.foxtheatre.org.

For those looking to experience the enhanced sound system firsthand, tickets for upcoming events and more information about The Strand can be found at www.strandmarietta.org.