Matching Grant Doubles Gifts to Conservatroy

The Cape Cod Conservatory has just announced that it received a matching grant from the Bilezikian Family Foundation. Donations made by the end of the year will double in value, up to a maximum of $100,000. Funds will support and expand the conservatory’s ongoing operations.

“We are delighted and very grateful to receive this grant from the Bilezikian family,” said Cape Cod Conservatory Board of Governors President Kevin Howard. “It’s a clear and strong recognition of our value to the Cape community.”

The conservatory, like many nonprofit schools, relies on donations and grants to fund upward of 70 percent of its operations. “In order to keep our classes reasonably priced we need to complement our revenues with these donations,” Mr. Howard said. “This dollar-for-dollar matching grant means donors can effectively double their generosity with their important donations.”

The conservatory has enjoyed a year of growth, its best year ever, as a result of significant faculty additions and many new courses. “The Digital Music Lab and a new performance series are excellent examples of our innovations,” Mr. Howard said. “It’s a wonderful blending of computers and music, and kids love both.”

In the past year the conservatory has invested more than $180,000 to improve its facilities. This includes structural repairs, enhancements to its pre-K schools at both campuses, and renovations to its dance studios at its Falmouth and West Barnstable campuses, all made possible by a generous grant from the Cape Cod Melody Tent.

The conservatory’s Highfield Theatre has also undergone extensive repairs and upgrades in recent months. Many of its doors are being replaced this winter to make them ADA-compliant.
Donations can be mailed to the Cape Cod Conservatory at 2235 Route 132, West Barnstable, MA 02668, or 60 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA 02541.
The Cape Cod Conservatory held its annual meeting on November 20, at which its officers were elected.

Mr. Howard, formerly vice president of the board of governors, was elected its president. Mr. Howard, of Harwich, is the president of Wise Living.
Avery Funkhouser was elected vice president. Ms. Funkhouser lives in West Falmouth has led the successful efforts to restore and repair the conservatory’s Highfield Theatre.

William Janovitz was reelected treasurer. A resident of North Falmouth, Mr. Janovitz is active in the community and serves on the board of the Falmouth Artists Guild.

Charles Ritch was elected clerk. Mr. Ritch is a financial consultant and lives in East Sandwich.

The conservatory also announced that it has expanded its board with new members. Joining the board recently are Joe Clerico, Dr. John Funkhouser, and Anne Perrault.

Mr. Clerico lives in North Falmouth and is chairman, president and CEO of IBA Software. Dr. Funkhouser is a long-time resident of Falmouth and has been active in many community efforts, including the restoration of the Highfield Theatre. Ms. Perrault is a piano soloist, performing extensively throughout the region and internationally. She is the former head of the Piano Department of the Longy School in Boston.

The conservatory has also announced that it elected Robert Neese its first-ever governor emeritus. Mr. Neese has served on the conservatory’s board for more than 28 consecutive years. A resident of West Harwich, Mr. Neese retired after a long career in banking. He has also served on many boards of nonprofit organizations on the Cape, including the Cape Cod Symphony.

“We are very grateful for Bob’s invaluable service to the conservatory,” Mr. Howard said. “The conservatory and, therefore, the Cape, are much enriched by and have benefited greatly from Bob’s selfless efforts and generous contributions. This is a much-deserved honor.”