GEORGE CHRISTIAN – PARAMOUNT THEATRE

George Christian, former White House press secretary for President Lyndon Johnson, served on our board of directors for many years. He was solely responsible for securing a $25,000 grant from the Curtis Meadows Foundation that enabled the Paramount to purchase its first backstage lighting system. George’s kindness, warmth and joyful exuberance gave us all an extra boost of confidence and credibility. God bless you, George!!

George Christian’s gift needs context. During the entire 12 year span I was at the Paramount, we received 4 non-governmental grants: the Junior League, the Meadows Foundation, the Heritage Society and Bobbie Crenshaw. Those grants totaled about $100K. The Paramount’s restoration cost between $1.85 and $2 million in the late 1970’s. 90% of that cost was funded by the federal government. 5% was funded by the City of Austin government. The 4 grants contributed the other 5%. This is bricks and mortar money – not operating money. 95% of the Paramount’s operating budget was covered by earned income – not contributions. More to come on many of these subjects in the future!