By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council awarded $25,000 in grant funding to two nonprofits last week from its History and Arts and Nonprofit Community Support funds during the Feb. 11 City Council meeting.
The Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project, a nonprofit seeking to raise funds for the construction of a 95 percent replica of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Citrus Heights, received $20,000, while Royal Stage, a visual and performing arts nonprofit, received $5,000.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a project developed and funded privately by volunteers that anticipates constructing a 95 percent replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in the Veterans section of Calvary Cemetery in Citrus Heights.
“This grassroots effort resulted in a powerful collaboration between our nonprofit, Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project, a religious nonprofit, Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento, and the City of Citrus Heights; a rare and inspiring three-way partnership,” Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project nonprofit members said.
According to the nonprofit, the replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be crafted from 470 linear feet of India black granite and will stand nearly nine and a half feet tall at the apex. The wall will be highly visible from eastbound Interstate 80 and will serve as a “constant and public reminder of the service and sacrifice of 58,318 men and women” listed on the wall. Additionally, the Wall will feature engraved names for pencil rubbings, the nonprofit said.
In a presentation to the City Council, Scott Miller with Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, which owns Calvary Cemetery, reported that over $4 million has been raised through financial commitments and donations from individuals and organizations, including the cost of services being donated by construction companies. Miller is also on the board of the veterans’ nonprofit and is the chair for the Veterans Wall Committee.
The expected total cost for the project is estimated to be over $7 million, and $3.1 million in funds still needs to be raised.
With its $5,000 grant, Royal Stage said in their application letter that funding will be used to support their Hearts of Arts program, which “connects both individuals and organizations to the arts.” Heart of Arts offers free and deeply discounted performing arts opportunities for children, teens, and women, the nonprofit said, adding that participation fees for dance classes and performing in our stage musicals will be waived for those needing scholarships.
“We believe that we are stronger together,” Royal Stage said.
Aside from multiple theater performances throughout the year, the nonprofit offers multiple dance classes in the city, as well as affordable and free summer camps. The nonprofit also makes their studio and theater space accessible for all groups who want a place for classes, fundraising, birthday parties, or other special events.
The theater, located behind the former Macy’s Men’s at Sunrise Mall, has also been utilized by multiple groups, including bands, dance and theater companies, a murder mystery party company, and for birthday parties, quinceañeras, weddings and bridal showers.
The History and Arts Grant Program included a total budget of $20,000 specifically earmarked for History and Arts grant awards, all of which was awarded to the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project.
Due to an under-appropriation in last year’s Nonprofit Community Support Fund, the city said $17,700 in grant funding remained available for distribution. Of the $17,000, Royal Stage requested and received $5,000.
Remaining funding from the Nonprofit Community Support Fund is available through June 30, and allocations are subject to City Council approval.
