Anonymous Donor Kick-Starts Price Center Fundraising Effort with $5000 Challenge Grant

At the Price Center’s Annual Meeting last Wednesday night, executive director Clay DeStefano announced a new three-month fundraising effort to replenish the Center’s improvement funds. The news was met with applause and immediate donations from the crowd, including an anonymous donor who pledged to kick-start the effort with a $5,000 Challenge Grant, meaning all donations through the end of August will be matched up to $5,000.

“If you ever thought of donating to the Price Center, now is the time because you will be doubling your contribution due to this amazing match,” said Clay DeStefano, executive director.

Major investments in facility and amenity upgrades over the past five years have depleted improvement funds significantly.

Since the original COVID closures of 2020, the Center has invested heavily in improvements and modernizations to help revitalize the Center. The first floor received a complete makeover in 2020. Since then, the sound and projection systems, and stage lighting have been upgraded.

Pictured at right, recent sound, projection, and lighting improvements add to the viewing and listening experience in the 1910 Ballroom.

More recently, the upstairs venues have been painted, two sets of doors have been added, and the 20-year-old worn-out carpet is about to be replaced. Outside, garden and building lighting and permanent public art have also been added. New signs are in final production.

“We began this latest improvement journey in late 2023 because we felt confident about our rebound after COVID. While we served 5,000 more people in 2024 than in 2023, the Fall '24 and Winter '25 quarters show a downturn in venue rentals -- our primary source of revenue,” said DeStefano.

Pictured at left, recent upstairs improvements include fresh paint, two new sets of doors, and fresh carpet pending installation in June.

While economic uncertainty seems to have slowed the venue rental business down for the foreseeable future, the free and greatly discounted classes and activities, which do not generate revenue, have never been busier!

 “We are dedicated to completing these $40,000 improvements, but our funds are running low,” said DeStefano. This is where you come in. From its inception, the Price Center has relied heavily on the kindness and generosity of others. Thank you again in advance for yours,” he added.

To donate to the Price Center, click here: https://www.price-center.org/donate-make-a-payment

stop by the Center, or mail a check to:

The Price Center Improvement Funds

222 W. San Antonio St

San Marcos, TX 78666 

The Price Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit community center, focused on healthy living and community connections through the visual, cultural, and performing arts. The Center is open 7 days a week for private rental, and open to the public W-F, Noon -5, and Sat., 10-3.