The Rotary Club of Claremont is the latest Claremont community organization to lend a hand to the Claremont High School Theatre renovation project.

The organization presented a $10,000 check to the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education at Thursday night’s board meeting to help the district edge a bit closer to its $1.5 million goal. The proceeds came from the organization’s Running of the Balls event during the summer.

“We hope this will be added to by other clubs and other matching funds so you can get this project going,” said Marc Winter, president of the Rotary Club of Claremont.

The CHS Theatre Renovation project began when CUSD qualified for a $1.5 million matching career and technical education grant from the state of California 3 years ago. CUSD must raise the 7-figure amount over the next several months to claim the state funds.

If CUSD matches the $1.5 grant, construction would begin on a $3 million renovation project for the Don F. Fruechte Theatre for the Performing Arts (CHS Theatre). Plans call for the current 8273 square-foot space to be expanded by more than 5000 square feet with the additions of a lobby, restrooms, storage spaces, a ticket booth, large backstage area and upgraded seating.

All of the board members in attendance offered thanks to the Rotarians in attendance at the meeting.

“We always count on Rotary and all of our service clubs for lots of help within our district,” said Jeff Stark, CUSD board vice president. “You guys always step up and it does make a huge difference.”

More information on the CHS Theatre renovation project can be found at http://chstheatrerenovation.cusd.claremont.edu/index.php.

More CUSD school board news in our next edition.