Center Place Gets Bright House Networks Airtime Grant for Commercial

In business for more than 30 years, the in Brandon is still often referred to as the "best-kept secret in town," a fact that prompted board members to request and secure a Bright House Networks airtime grant for a video commercial.

"We still have people who come in here and say they didn't know we were here, or that they never knew this place existed," said Dawn Galia, the director of Center Place, which shares space with the Brandon Regional Library in the Sandy Rodriguez Center at 619 Vonderburg Drive. "Now we have a little clip that shows all the different things we do here."

The grant will pay for the commercial air time for the clip, featuring background music written by Rick Donofrio, president of Stages Productions, a theater troupe that is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary and has been performing at Center Place "for at least 18 years, maybe longer," Galia said.

The clip also features the talents of student Glenn Register, a local videographer, and Ron Williams, who has a production company in Lakeland, Galia added.

The clip, featured on the Center Place Web site, "was a huge accomplishment from having no idea where to begin," Galia said, noting that it began with the suggestion of Chris Kazor, president of the board, who works for Bright House Networks. "We wanted a finished product that looked professional. We had a script written out but we needed to get it down to 30 seconds."

This script is the result of that effort:

At Center Place, we are more than just a pretty picture. We offer a professional gallery of fine art exhibits; creative art workshops for all ages, taught by award-winning instructors; spectacular cabaret, dinner and children's theater presented in the beautiful, 300-seat grand room; reasonable rentals for weddings, parties and community events. Brandon's best-kept secret for 34 years. Call 813-685-8888 and discover the arts at Center Place.

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5 Things To Know About the Bright House Networks Airtime Grant Program

• The program provides $1 million in promotional airtime each year to local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. The Bright House Networks Airtime Grant Program application is online.

• Airtime grants can be used to promote general awareness about an organization or to promote a recipient's special event.

• Grants range in value from $5,000 up to $25,000.

• Promotional messages can be aired on more than 40 popular cable networks and can be targeted to reach customers in one of four regions.

• The grant must be used within a one-year period, and if your organiztion has been awarded a grant in the past, you must wait at least one full year before applying again.