People's United Bank donates $25,000 to Flynn Center

People’s United Bank recently presented a $25,000 check to John R. Killacky, Executive Director of Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, Vermont.
Thirty years ago, the Burlington area’s corporate and philanthropic leaders came together with a common vision-one that saw the power of the performing arts and what they could do for our community. In the beginning, efforts focused on the restoration of a derelict theater (originally opened in 1930) to provide a well-managed, comfortable home for the performing arts. The late 1980’s and 1990’s witnessed significant expansion of the Flynn’s educational programming. The Student Matinee Series was inaugurated, teacher-training workshops were developed, and the first of many partnerships with local schools and school systems were initiated. The Flynn completed a multi-phased expansion and renovation project in 2000 and a comprehensive performing arts complex-renamed the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts-was born. The new Flynn incorporated two performance spaces: the original theater fully restored to its Art Deco splendor, and the FlynnSpace, an intimate 180-seat black box and cabaret performing setting, along with education and dance studios, a visual arts gallery, and administrative offices.
‘People’s United Bank has generously agreed to participate in our ‘Take a Seat’ campaign with a lead gift of a $25,000 donation. The campaign will raise funds from the community to ensure that the Flynn Center continues providing quality performances for generations to come,’ said John R. Killacky, Executive Director of the Flynn Center.
The Take a Seat campaign represents the second of three phases to assure that the facilities are in excellent condition and address evolving patron and production needs. Phase One was completed this summer and will lead to significant energy savings, safety, and production improvements. This phase included; enclosing the loading dock, sealing the rear foundation and redirecting storm water drainage. The second phase will replace auditorium seating (first installed in 1946), enhance the lobby and historic marquee, and improve the acoustics in the hall. Phase Three will be undertaken over the next couple of years and include development of an integrated vision for the entire Flynn campus of buildings.
‘The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is a vital community-based cultural center for Burlington and the region,’ said Michael Seaver, President of People’s United Bank in Vermont. ‘I have seen so many wonderful shows at the Flynn Center and am always amazed at the high level of talent and quality of shows the staff at the Flynn Center are able to bring to Burlington, Vermont. The Flynn Center is truly a hidden gem.’
About People’s United Bank
People's United Bank is a subsidiary of People's United Financial, Inc., a diversified financial services company with approximately $28 billion in assets. People's United Bank, founded in 1842, is the largest independent bank in New England and provides consumer, commercial and wealth management services through approximately 375 branches in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine. Through additional subsidiaries, People's United provides equipment financing, asset management, brokerage and financial advisory services, and insurance services.