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Fitton Center begins winter fund-raising campaign

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By Richard O Jones, Staff Writer 6:14 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2011

HAMILTON — The Fitton Center for Creative Arts has kicked off the Common Threads fund-raising campaign to help continue its programs.

“The Fitton Center is taking a bold step by asking contributors to increase their giving by any amount in this year’s annual Common Threads campaign,” said Rick H. Jones, executive director of center. “However, we have also asked our board of directors and staff to do the same and they have all made that commitment.

“Our belief is that during good economic conditions people need the arts to enjoy and celebrate life and success,” he added. “But even more importantly, in unpredictable economic times and tough conditions, the arts are needed even more to help us endure and understand.”

The Fitton Center has received early gifts to the campaign to date comprising 14 percent of the $250,000 goal. The campaign will continue to run through the end of January, 2012.

Financial support directly impacts students and participants at the center, while having a significant impact on economic development, connecting people and improving the image of the community, Jones said.

“With the dedicated and continued support of donors since 1993, the Fitton Center has been able to positively impact thousands in our community through quality arts programming,” he said. “The intent of the Common Threads Campaign is to ensure that these programs continue throughout 2011-2012.”

Vaden Fitton has been named the campaign chairman this year, saying that the Fitton Center plays an important role in the cultural life of Hamilton.

“They’re providing a much-needed service to the community,” he said. “Whether you want to do some hands-on art or just sit back and enjoy a show, there’s something there for everyone.”

Also, he said, the arts have proven to have a greater long-term financial impact on communities than sporting events.

“The Fitton Center has far exceeded everyone’s expectation since they decided to build a facility like this,” Fitton said. “We’ve seen people get excited about art for the first time in their lives.”

For more information on the campaign, call the Fitton Center for Creative Arts at (513) 863-8873.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.

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