For Immediate Release:

Youngstown, OH (November 20, 2019) – Stambaugh Auditorium has received a grant of $50,000 from the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation to support the Monumental Staircase and Facade Restoration Project.

The goal of the staircase and facade restoration project is to return the monumental staircase, grand entrance and promenade to its original splendor. The cost of the project is estimated at $5 million and will include razing and replacing the Fifth Avenue monumental staircase and promenade, reconstructing retaining walls, cleaning the exterior facade of the building, adding dimensional exterior lighting to the entrances and facades, and restoring all decorative metalwork at the grand entrance.

Lisa Long, Financial Resource Director for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said, “The Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation has been supporting Stambaugh Auditorium since 2013, granting the organization $65,000 to date. We are honored to support this ambitious endeavor that will reinvigorate a Youngstown landmark. Irwin Thomases loved his adopted community of Youngstown and wanted to ensure the community did not merely survive, but rather, thrive. He envisioned that supporting economic development, social, health, education and arts-related programs would provide the necessary impetus to propel progress within the community. It is our hope, that through our giving, to this project and other organizations in the Valley and across the globe, we’ve made and will continue to make this world a better place to live.” One of the monumental pillars will be named for the Thomases Family Endowment in recognition for their support of the project.

Martha Thomases, daughter of Irwin Thomases spoke of her memories saying, “Stambaugh Auditorium is one of the true gems of the Mahoning Valley. It serves music that soothes, inspires and excites all of our neighbors. One of my fondest memories is seeing Herman’s Hermits there! It is a privilege to be able to support it.”

The mission of Stambaugh Auditorium, a cultural and historic landmark in the city of Youngstown since 1926, is to present events for the enjoyment, entertainment and education of the people of Youngstown and surrounding communities.

JoAnn Stock, Chief Development Officer at Stambaugh Auditorium said, “We are extremely grateful for the support of the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation in helping to support this vital project.” For more information about the campaign, contact Stock at 330-747-5175 or [email protected].