A true partnership. A decade of support
Since 2012, Smart Motors has financially supported Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) and their local initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned stage performer or looking to take to the stage for the very first time for a singing, acting or dance class, Smart’s annual financial contributions helped subsidize tuition for the youth in Dane County. Today, CTM can now transport youth from throughout the city to the new Madison Youth Arts (MYArts) Center with their brand new 2022 Toyota Sienna hybrid – donated by Smart.
Timing of Smart’s gift could not have come at a better time. This month CTM moved into their new space within the new MYArts Center at 1055 E Mifflin Street. To celebrate this momentous occasion, CTM hosted their spectacular Septacular Wish event. The event featured on-stage performances from CTM’s talented youth performers, plus recognition of businesses and community members who helped make “the Wish” possible, food and beverages provided by Great Dane Pub & Brewing, special cocktail hour music performed by The Tony Castaneda Band, and of course, the unveiling of Smart Motors’ gift ~ a 2022 Toyota Sienna hybrid mini-van.
“It is a game changer for us,” said CTM’s Executive Director Allen Ebert. “One of the largest barriers Youth in our community face is access to the arts. Today, thanks to this gift from Smart Motors, we can provide the much-needed safe transportation of Youth to our new home in the MYArts Center and do so absolutely free of charge.”
Much like an in-person CTM performance you’d experience on-stage, this new Toyota Sienna hybrid mini-van is jaw-dropping. Fully wrapped by Madison Top Company, the design is whimsical and colorful, eye-catching, and will certainly grab attention on the streets of Madison. It’s a moving reminder of how inspirational, fun and creative our Youth, and Adults, can be when they explore the performing arts.
The 2022 Toyota Sienna is the perfect people mover. Stylish on the outside and functional on the inside, CTM will be able to transport 7-passengers at a time in comfort and convenience. This mini-van features dual power sliding side doors and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0; which includes pre-collision and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. Oh, an in case you missed it, this mini-van is a hybrid; getting a show-stopping 35 miles per gallon.
“We could not be more proud of our decade long partnership with our friends at CTM,” said J.R. Smart, President/CEO of Smart Motors. “And just look at that Sienna – wow! Madison Top and the creative team at CTM truly did a phenomenal job capturing the spirit of CTM in the wrap design. I cannot wait to see all the smiles on the faces of kids loading up and jumping out of the Sienna on their way to classes and performances.”
CTM’s mission to create vibrant theater experiences that engage, educate, and inspire young people and their communities has been their guiding light. Founded in 1965, CTM is a Madison institution providing exceptional theatre production for family audiences. By casting adult and child actors in professionally produced plays, they have occupied a unique niche, for decades, as Madison’s premier theater for all ages. The Overture Center, and its predecessor the Madison Civic Center, had been their home for over 30 years, and today CTM is one of two main tenants in the newly constructed MYArts Center on Madison’s near Eastside.
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume dealers. Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motors Sales for superior customer service and sales volume. Learn more about Smart’s history here.
The newly constructed MYArts Center provides opportunities for young people to express themselves, discover the arts, and create connections, while at the same time, serves as the home for CTM and Madison Youth Choirs.
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