The Riverside Arts Center is excited to compete in the web-based Pepsi Refresh Contest for a $250,000 grant starting November 1st, 2010 and will be asking as many people as possible to cast daily votes online or via text messaging throughout the month of November.

2 WAYS TO VOTE
-Go to www.refresheverything.com/rac and click VOTE.
(If you need to register or sign in first, make sure the vote button changes to "Thanks for Voting" after you vote)

-Text* from your mobile phone:
Send 104062 (RAC vote ID) to 73774 (Pepsi text address)
(Please remember to vote daily and to share this message: Facebook, email, twitter, add the widget from the Pepsi page to your website, ...etc. Thank you so much for your help!)

Voting takes a few seconds per day and you will be able to unsubscribe any time, if you wish.

Winning the Pepsi grant of $250,000 would enable RAC to:
-Improve building structure and increase community access by adding a beautiful second entrance closer to the train lines and local schools (see before and after pictures below)
-Expand outreach programming through Jen’s Kids at Loyola University Medical Center
-Create a college scholarship fund for RBHS students who plan on pursuing a degree in the arts.

The Pepsi Challenge is a highly competitive contest, but we truly believe we can win because of the great surrounding community and the many supporters we’ve had over the years. Taking time to vote is an easy way to support the RAC that only costs a few minutes of time. Please sign-up to vote today.

For more information call the Arts Center at: 708-442-6400

Proposed details to date and at this stage of planning:
BUILDING
1. New fence and entry for improved access and appearance on track side of RAC building
2. New signage and lighting for greater visibility on track side of RAC building
3. Add landscape material along outside of fence to enhance track side of RAC building
4. Regrade, landscape and add seating to improve drainage and enhance sculpture garden
5. Replace and expand concrete pad at north entrance
6. Add overhang and screening for expanded concrete area to create additional exhibition space and fundraising opportunities through space rental
7. Re-side frame addition at north side of building
8. New second floor windows front and back

PROGRAMMING
1. Expand after-school art classes for local youth
2. Continue support for Jen's Kids by providing art therapy for pediatric cancer patients at Loyola University Medical Center.
3. Improve services for Seguin residents by repairing chair lift to second floor classrooms and continuing to provide high quality art classes.
4. College Scholarship Fund