Save the Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Hi. My name is Anthony Delgadillo Salas. I’m 15-years old and I live in Oxnard, California. I’m the youngest in my family.

For the past two years, I’ve been a volunteer at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and Convention Center (AKA The PACC). Three weeks ago, we all found out that proposed cuts in our city’s fiscal 2019/2020 budget will close the doors to many of our arts and cultural institutions, including our beloved and historical PACC.

After plenty of meetings and lots of back and forth between the community and our city leaders, we’ve come to the conclusion that the performing arts center cannot survive without a complete takeover by the community and the PACC nonprofit. We understand this work is not going to be easy, but The PACC is worth fighting for. This is where we need your help.

My experience at the PACC started out as a performer with my school as part of a dance troupe. Years later, I signed up as a volunteer.  For two years now, I’ve learned so much about running the box office, event coordinating and marketing, and even managing backstage.

These experiences have been possible because of the amazing PACC staff. I could just as easily spend my extra time on the couch scrolling through my social media feeds, but I prefer to work and learn here at The PACC. My two older sisters keep advising me to always look for a job where you can enjoy the experience and be myself. Volunteering at The PACC is my happy spot.

I remember when I was much younger, my parents would take us to the Breakfast With Santa event at The PACC. I remember coming here and waiting in line to meet Santa. I also remember seeing so many kids having a good time and all the families together. I want those kinds of things to continue.

I think that The PACC was built on a community that made it part of its culture. So, if we close this down, we’re ending something that has to do with everyone’s culture. Everyone in Oxnard knows that this place exists. We’re all somewhat connected to this place. If this place closes down, it’s just going to be disconnecting something that we love.

Take music for instance. Everyone likes music. Just take that away for the rest of your life, or, just for a few years. What effect will it have on you?

Please donate so that we can keep our doors open. All donations will go directly to The PACC's funding for programs.

 
The PACC


Since its opening in 1968, the Oxnard PACC has hosted thousands of performances reaching more than 3 million people. Outstanding Broadway musicals, prominent guest speakers, and musical acts and plays have all graced the center's stage, such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, KISS, CATS (the Broadway musical), Kevin Hart, Los Tigres del Norte, Jeff Dunham, Los Angeles Azules, and Louis CK.

 As one of the larger theater's in western Ventura County, the Oxnard PACC consists of 1,604 seats. With its spacious theater, 2 ballrooms and additional rooms, the PACC can easily handle the needs of any group between 3,500 - 4,000. Every year, The PACC welcomes ~350,000 visitors to its campus to celebrate important milestones (weddings, quinceaneras, memorials), experience one-of-a-kind entertainment, and gather for community functions (meetings, workshops, training, etc).

 Back in 1968, the public eagerly waited for The PACC doors to open, as it was a critically needed facility in the community. At the city’s request to lead the steering committee, Cleo La Bonte - a piano instructor and kindergarten teacher -  was the driving force behind the vision for The PACC and its fundraising efforts. For approximately 10 years, La Bonte never gave up her passion and dedication to building this important cultural treasure. She was named “Oxnard’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year” in 1966, becoming the second woman to receive the title.

 Who Uses The PACC?

 Our resident companies include:
New West Symphony (for 25 years this season!)
The New West Symphony is an esteemed performing arts organization that attracts diverse, capacity audiences to experience and celebrate the transformative power of live symphonic music in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Led by a visionary music director, Maestro Michael Christie,  it serves as a growing hub for music appreciation and education sustained by robust financial support and community resources.
O’My Theater (Oxnard Musical Youth Theater
Offers local young artists the unparalleled experience of live performance.  O’My nurtures our talented youth to have confidence in expressing themselves through the performing arts. They prioritize educational musical content, efficient scheduling, access to resources, creative utilization of recycled materials, and affordability for our diverse population.  With a commitment to develop and showcase local youth talent, O’my provides an opportunity to learn about multiple facets of musical theater, and strive to bring quality productions to the community in an effort to support the arts.
Nonprofits including Oxnard Gem and Mineral Society, Ballroom Dance Club, NAACP, Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County, Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, Filipino American Council, Mixteco Indigena Community Project (MICOP), Ventura Music Festival, Oxnard Boys and Girls Club, Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, CA Strawberry Festival, and dozens and dozens of others, including schools, church groups, dance organizations, etc.
Global promoters like LiveNation and AEG, to local and specialized promoters
 
Why GoFund Me?

Over the last few weeks, our supporters have talked to our Mayor, city officials, and city management. Because of these efforts, we now have a 6-month extension. We have 6 months to do strategic planning and proper fundraising to keep the doors open and show the city we can do this long-term.

Now, we have the chance to avoid staff layoffs (about 55 people work here) and the cancellation of the entire 2019/2020 Season of Events. By reaching out to you here on GoFundMe, we are creating community partnerships and giving The PACC back to the people and back to a dedicated staff that cares about the future of the arts in Oxnard.

Your Contribution Will Make A Difference

The $1 million dollars we need to raise will go straight to the Oxnard PACC non-profit for the following:

Closing the projected gap we have between our revenue and expenses for the next few years
Show the City, other funders and grantmakers the widespread public support for The PACC
Buy us additional time and breathing room to execute our short- and long-term strategic planning.
 
Total: $1 million dollars

Share With The World

1.  Please share this link on your social media feeds and email to family and friends:
gf.me/u/s9u9yg

2. If you’ve been a part of any PACC event, either as an attendant or a participant, please share your story and experiences with us by email to the following: [email redacted]. Carolyn is the PACC’s Event Coordinator. She is amazing. We may share your video on the PACC’s website.

 3. Send us a short video shot on your phone (no more than 30-seconds) explaining why The PACC needs to stay open. Email video to [email redacted]

 #SaveThePACC

#SaveThePACCChallenge

 Thank you.

 Anthony Delgadillo