Lucille Little Foundation Awards

Lexington Children’s Theatre

The Lexington Children’s Theatre’s Shooting Stars Youtheatre Program received a $2.5 million endowment to fund outreach programs in Rowan and Elliott Counties.

The SSYT will receive $125,000 per year from the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation.

SSYT has been funded by a $100,000 yearly grant from the Little Foundation for the past seven years.

LCT uses SSYT as a model program for theatre arts in rural communities. To reach young people, LCT uses performance workshops, programs for at-risk youth, family “pay what you can” performances and summer discovery productions.

LCT Board President Valerie Marshall said she was thrilled by the endowment, which will be administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation.

“Not only does it provide the certainty of the continuation of the program, but it also recognizes the good work being done by the artistic professionals of the Lexington Children Theatre. We are truly thankful and appreciative of the support of the Little Foundation,” Marshall said.

Living Arts & Science Center

The Living Arts & Science Center received a $1 million matching grant to renovate its current facility from the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors pledged the money as the first major gift toward the Center’s IMAGINE THIS campaign — a $5 million campaign that kicks off in the fall.

The money will be used to renovate the Kinkead house. Plans include a new classroom, an exhibition building, educational gardens and an amphitheater.

LASC Executive Director Heather Lyons said she is honored for the LASC to receive the first gift in the capital campaign.

“The foundation’s commitment to match $1 million of other funds raised presents an ideal opportunity for the community to join with them in supporting lasting and creative education for our children,” Lyons said.

Lucille Little was one of the founders of the LASC in 1968. She was instrumental in its operations and programming in its early years and continued her financial support in a bequest in the five years following her death.