MEDIA CONTACT: Stacia Smith
561-297-2971, ssmith@fau.edu or
Polly Burks
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Carole and Barry Kaye Donate $500,000 to
FAU's Arts Programs

Future donation and Florida matching gift could make donation more than $1 million

BOCA RATON, FL (November 7, 2005) - Carole and Barry Kaye have donated $500,000 to Florida Atlantic University's arts programs. Another $100,000 gift will be donated next year to complete their gift of $600,000. This gift will be matched by the State of Florida matching gift program at 70 percent, making the possible value of the gift more than $1 million.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kaye are true friends of Florida Atlantic University and our entire community," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan '81. "Their generosity will not only touch our students and faculty members, but will also bring great benefits to the general public. We deeply appreciate their commitment to providing major support for the arts through this very meaningful gift to FAU's arts education program."

The gift will establish the "Carole and Barry Kaye Endowed Fund in Integrative Arts Education and Outreach." This fund, which will be administered within FAU's School of the Arts in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters in collaboration with the University Center Auditorium, will be dedicated to integrative arts education and community outreach initiatives. Integrative arts is a developing area in which several educational disciplines work together, and in this case, develop programs for and with non-profit and educational organizations within the community. In recognition of this generous gift, the FAU University Center Auditorium will be named the "Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium." Mr. Kaye provided additional funding to enrich the current look of the auditorium and intends to support future fundraising for further enhancements.

"Since my career began in the field of radio and television and the arts, I am very pleased to participate in the upgrading of this auditorium and be a part of the integrative arts education and outreach area that is being developed by FAU," said Barry Kaye. "I believe that FAU is one of the most visionary universities in America and it is my privilege to work with their dedicated staff."

Carole and Barry Kaye have shown a long-time appreciation for the arts. Carole Kaye founded the Carole and Barry Kaye Museum of Miniatures in Los Angeles, which was the largest contemporary miniature museum in the world. The collection has since been donated to the Naples Museum of Art in Naples, Florida. In addition, Barry Kaye is an honorary director of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples and is on the board of directors of the Palm Beach Pops.

"This gift will significantly enhance the reputation of FAU's School of the Arts," said William A. Covino, dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. "The school will thrive not only as a center for excellence in the performing and visual arts, but also as a pivotal resource for educators in the implementation of integrative arts education."

Barry Kaye, originally from New York, has always been interested in theatre and the arts. In 1962, he joined New England Life as an insurance agent. Today he is known as one of the most creative minds in the insurance industry. Kaye is the author of eight best-selling books and videotapes and has been featured in many news articles, radio and television shows.
The gift to FAU's arts programs follows a recent announcement of a $5 million gift from Barry Kaye to FAU's College of Business. This $5 million gift when matched by the state will be valued at $10 million.

-FAU-