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Cultural Center Hits Its Stride

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By ELIZABETH LEE BROWN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - Three months after cutting the ceremonial ribbon, the Carrollwood Cultural Center seems to be past its opening jitters.

A second session of courses began this week with 29 offerings in the arts, music and dance.

The center's financial picture is becoming clearer with the transfer of 15 months of data into an accounting software program.

Supporters are devising a marketing campaign that would target donors as well as potential students.

At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, members of the Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center took steps to raise money while informing residents what the facility has to offer.

The Friends board is tasked to run Hillsborough County's first building for the cultural arts with help from an annual county subsidy.

Executive Director Paul Berg said interest in programs has been growing. The center is offering 29 classes in the current session, more than double the 12 courses taught in the opening session.

"We've jumped big time with that," Berg said, adding that some classes were closed because they reached the maximum amount of students.

Board chairman Tom Jones commended board member Ken Hoyt for getting the facility's financial house in order. Hoyt helped switch the board and the center from a manual accounting system to the QuickBooks software system.

The board authorized spending up to $7,000 for the development and design of a promotional packet for fundraising and marketing.

The goal is to create a cohesive branding campaign that trumpets the programs while also getting donors to purchase naming rights to rooms at the center, Jones said.

The board also agreed to spend up to $15,000 toward a casino night fundraiser and auction in November. Organizers hope to attract 500 people and expect to raise at least $30,000 - the same amount netted last year at the board's Casablanca event.

The group will spend up to $1,000 for a trial run for a Lunch and Learn in June, where potential donors are invited to learn about the center.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Tamara Michaelson from the board; agreed to discuss whether to allow a farmer's market at the corner of Lowell and Casey roads in conjunction with VISTA Gardens; and approved spending $5,000 for a plaque to recognize charter members of the cultural center.

Reporter Elizabeth Lee Brown can be reached at (813) 865-1502 or ebrown@tampatrib.com.

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