Benefit for Hackensack PAC Raises Almost $400,000

On Jun 3, 2016

The inaugural benefit to raise funds for the new Hackensack Performing Arts Center (PAC) drew more than 100 attendees who pledged nearly $400,000. The event took place on Friday, May 20th, in the elegant Sky Ballroom of the Hilton in Hasbrouck Heights and featured entertainment by singer and pianist Tony DeSare. The guest list included Hackensack’s mayor, John P. Labrosse, Jr., Deputy Mayor Kathleen Canestrino, City Manager David Troast, and members of City Council Deborah Keeling-Geddis, David Sims, and Leonardo Battaglia.

“We got a tremendous response from both the business community and private citizens,” said Jerome J. Lombardo, chairman of the Main Street Business Alliance, the group in charge of the redevelopment district for the downtown area, and president of C.J. Lombardo, a real-estate management company. “So many people recognize what a difference this will make in the downtown area and, by extension, the difference it will make in the climate for businesses there. And there are also many people who feel strongly about supporting the arts in Bergen County.” Major gifts will be commemorated on a donor wall in the new PAC.

The largest donations were $100,000 from Hekemian & Co., Inc., and $50,000 from Inserra Supermarkets. Pledges of $25,000 were received from C.J. Lombardo Co.; Capodagli Property Company/Merida LLC; Lakeland Bank; Oritani Bank; NAI James E. Hanson; and Alfred Sanzari Enterprises.

For $350, individuals received tickets to “A Night of Fun, Friends & Follies” and a seat tag with their name on it in the new performing arts center. Renovations to the former Masonic Hall site at 102 State Street will include not only a 224-seat theater and stage with new audio, video, and lighting systems, but gallery space, dressing rooms, marquee, and lobby with a concession stand. The City of Hackensack has bonded $1.5 million to cover basic construction, but an additional $750,000 must be raised to cover the work that will begin this summer. The Hackensack PAC is scheduled to open in early 2017.

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