HSA Raises $1 Million Through Matching Grant of $500,000 from The Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust

For Immediate Release
Press Release

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is pleased to announce that the Trustees of the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust (MFCCT) will match funds raised by HSA during its challenge grant campaign dollar-for-dollar in the amount of $500,000.

The $1 million total funds raised ($500,000 from MFCCT and $500,000 from HSA) will establish HSA's first Cash Reserve Fund and support the HSA Endowment. In addition, HSA will receive a one-time, unrestricted $50,000 grant from the Cary Trust for general operating support.

"The Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust has supported The Harlem School of the Arts for 38 years," said HSA President & CEO Kakuna Kerina. "Through this final grant, the Cary Trust leaves HSA a legacy of stability at a critical time when arts organizations nationwide face an uncertain future as a result of the current economic crisis. We are proud to announce this successful campaign because it is a true recognition of Dorothy Maynor's enduring vision and the hard work that we collectively engage in daily to embody that mission."

The Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust was established in January 1968 as a testamentary, charitable trust by the will of the late Mary Flagler Cary. Mrs. Cary was the daughter of Harry Harkness and Anne Lamont Flagler. Her grandfather, Henry Morrison Flagler, had been among the founders and principal owners of the original Standard Oil Company. For many years, the Trust's grant programs have focused on music in New York City and on the conservation of natural resources, which were fields of great interest to the donor. Since 1971, the Trust has been a longtime and steady supporter of HSA, awarding the school numerous grants. As of June 30, 2009, the Trust will no longer award grants and has arranged to pay out its assets to "one or more charitable organizations." Its purpose now is to help its grantees make the transition that they will face this year with the loss of support from the Trust. Toward this end, the Trust has awarded multiple-year terminal grants to selected long-term grantees.

About The Harlem School of the Arts
Since 1964, The Harlem School of the Arts has offered children and young adults the freedom to discover the artist within them through instruction in dance, music, theater and the visual arts. HSA's programs recognize the intrinsic value of the arts in everyday life, and the ways in which arts education enhances academic achievement. Every day, HSA helps young people to develop into self-reliant adults by developing self-confidence, discipline and their love of the arts. HSA is committed to meeting the challenges of the 21st century by providing access to new arts education methodologies and cutting-edge technology in today's information-driven global society. Through HSA's numerous partnerships and artists-in-residence, the School is a cultural destination, serving all ages and interests.

The Harlem School of the Arts

645 St. Nicholas Avenue · New York, NY 10030
(212) 926-4100 · www.harlemschoolofthearts.org