FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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THE CARAMOOR CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE ARTS
RECEIVES $500,000 MATCHING GRANT FROM
MR. AND MRS. DONALD KENDALL

Katonah, New York - November 10, 2009 - CEO and General Director Michael Barrett is pleased to announce that the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts has received a grant in the amount of $500,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kendall. Mr. Kendall is the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Inc., and his wife Bim Kendall serves on the Board of Trustees for Caramoor. Intended to encourage private donations to the center, the Kendall challenge grant will match gifts on a dollar for dollar basis. The grant is earmarked to support Caramoor's mission to provide quality programming in the tri-state region and nurture the next generation of artists. Caramoor is approaching the final $100,000 of the matching challenge, and is confident that with the help of its patrons over the next two months, it will meet and possibly exceed the $500,000 matching goal.

In making this donation, Mr. Kendall said, "We are thrilled to support such a wonderful arts institution. Michael Barrett has an exceptional artistic vision, and this gift will allow him to continue to bring Caramoor's goal of launching new and exciting musical initiatives to fruition."

"We are very grateful to Donald and Bim Kendall for this generous grant which allows Caramoor to further its mission to entertain and educate," said Mr. Barrett. "It is particularly appreciated because it encourages others to join with them in contributing to our organization. Public support enables us to reach new audiences, provide the highest quality programming, and expand our mentorship programs."

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Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts - a performing arts center located on a unique 90-acre setting of Italianate architecture and gardens in Westchester County, NY - enriches the lives of its audiences through innovative and diverse musical performances of the highest quality. Its mission also includes mentoring young professional musicians and providing educational programs for young children centered around music.  For more information visit caramoor.org or call (914) 232-5035.