October 14, 2004
INFORMATION: John McElwain or John Green, (661) 362-3494 or 3684
Vital Express to Donate $2 Million to New Performing Arts Center
EPIC Center becomes Vital Express Center for the Performing Arts
Vital Express has donated $2 million to the new College of the Canyons EPIC Center for the Performing Arts, which will be renamed the Vital Express Center for the Performing Arts.
Vital Express is a Valencia-based local and national transportation service provider that is franchising its concept at the end of this month and plans to open 120 franchises over the next year. Vital Express currently has offices in San Francisco, Indianapolis, Houston and Charlotte, and plans to open 500 facilities nationwide.
"This is probably the most exciting thing that has happened to the college in the past 20 years," said College of the Canyons Superintendent/President Dr. Dianne Van Hook. "I think this will change the nature of fund-raising for community colleges in California."
The $2 million will go toward a planned $5 million endowment fund designed to support programming for students at College of the Canyons, as well as the center itself.
"This really is a long-term investment not only in the college, but in the community," said Vital Express co-owner Lisa Boaz. "We really wanted to make a statement that said to our employees and to our customers that we have created a business that is in it for the long-erm. Hopefully, our commitment will also spur further donations from other business and individuals in Santa Clarita."
The new Vital Express Center at College of the Canyons officially opened its doors Oct. 15, revealing a dazzling performing arts venue that will host an exciting inaugural season of college, community and professional performances.
The center's first performance was a college production of “Big River,” an adaptation of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Other performances range from concerts by the Santa Clarita Symphony to professional acts such as Paul Anka and Melissa Manchester.
The state of California provided $15.9 million in funding for the center, and the City of Santa Clarita provided an additional $2.4 million, most of which was used to significantly boost the number of seats.
The main performance hall features two levels with as many as 926 seats, depending on its configuration. The facility also features a more intimate “black box” theater that can accommodate up to 125 people.
Vital Express is leading the way as the premier nationwide same-day delivery company. It is recognized as a leader in technology, with state-of-the-art equipment, quality vehicles and the best personnel in the business.
The strengths of, and trust in, the Vital brand are creating new opportunities in logistics, supply-chain management and on-demand delivery services increasing value to customers. Having the ability to offer such a variety of services such as Air Freight, Hot-Shot Direct, Time Definite LTL and Courier/Messenger has given Vital the strength to provide premium transportation solutions for the growing demands of its clientele.
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