Trans-Siberian Orchestra, QFM 96 and Live Nation Raise Over $13,000 For GCAC's Children of The Future Program

Holiday cheer was an understatement when the Greater Columbus Arts Council received a check for more than $13,000 at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's December show at Nationwide Arena.

Oulanje Regan, GCAC's Program Administrator for Community Arts Education, was on site to accept a check for $13,241 from Trans-Siberian Orchestra — in collaboration with QFM 96 and Live Nation — to GCAC's Children of the Future program. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, QFM 96 and Live Nation donated $1 from every ticket sold to Children of the Future.

Children of the Future is an arts and public safety program administered by GCAC that engages a diverse group of artists with center-city children ages 5 to 14, providing them with safe environments to explore the arts and develop communication and critical thinking skills. In 2004, GCAC joined with the Columbus Public Schools to offer afterschool programming at nine elementary schools, along with 21st Century Community Learning Centers throughout Columbus. Recently, GCAC and the Columbus Public Schools expanded the program to include 20 public middle schools.

"We can't thank Live Nation, QFM96 and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra enough for their continued support of Children of the Future," said Tim Katz, GCAC Director of Community Arts Education. "Our program relies on good neighbors like these to help us defray the cost of providing this much-needed arts programming."

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a full scale, musical production, bringing together the stirring elegance of a classical orchestra along with the power and fury of a hard rock band surrounded by stunning lighting. This awe inspiring musical tour de force captivates audiences with contemporary adaptations of traditional Christmas music, complemented with a slew of original compositions.