BlackRock Names Main Gallery After Receiving Unprecedented Gift (PHOTOS)

The BlackRock Center for the Arts is naming its Main Gallery- The Kay Gallery- at a reception Sunday after getting an unprecedented gift from Upper Montgomery County residents Lauren and Rick Pollin.

The Kay Gallery will be named in memory of Lauren Pollin’s parents Jack and Ina Kay. The Kays were great supporters of Jewish, education, social service, and arts organizations in the greater Washington, DC area and have a vast history of philanthropy in the region, according to a release from BlackRock. Collectors and lovers of art themselves, Ina Kay passed away in 2002 and Jack Kay in 2013.

The Pollin’s six-figure gift is the largest BlackRock has ever received from an individual, according to the center. The funds are unrestricted and will be used to build capacity for BlackRock across all core offerings – performance, education, and the galleries.

“Very few donors understand the need for unrestricted funds,” says BlackRock Executive Director Krista Bradley, “What’s wonderful about the gift they have given us is that it will help us build capacity to meet the growing needs of our community. We couldn’t be more thankful.”

Lauren and Rick Pollin’s contribution to BlackRock Center for the Arts is the lead gift in BlackRock’s 15th Anniversary Campaign, an initiative to raise $1 million in support of BlackRock’s future. The Anniversary Campaign will be publicly rolled out in late 2015, according to the press release.

Lauren Pollin moved from Chevy Chase to Upper Montgomery County ten years ago. She attended her first performance at BlackRock soon after she moved, and joined the BlackRock board in 2010, according to the center.

“I think it’s really important for people to have a sense of community,” says Lauren Pollin. “It’s good to feel part of something that’s bigger than you are and it’s good being with a group of people that feels the same way. BlackRock belongs to this community. This is a beautiful way to honor my parents and give back to the community.”

BlackRock Center For The Arts is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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