Renovations at the renowned Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs have been given a boost by a $50,000 grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation of Glens Falls.
As the campaign reaches its completion, the funds help with the costs associated with the structural and expansion work done at the 47 Phila St. location.
“We were very glad to be able to help with the Caffé’s project,” said Charlene Wood, chairperson and trustee of the foundation. “As always, we had many worthy applications to review, but ultimately we decided the campaign project was an excellent community partnership for us this year. The Caffés mission of serving people of all ages from our region with music, song, and the spoken word struck a positive chord with us.”
In 2016 the venue began a $2 million donor-funded renovation project on their 19th century building in Saratoga’s historic downtown. The transformation guarantees a home for their arts programming for years to come, creates handicap accessibility to the second floor performance space, and enhances the intimate listener and artist experience.
The Charles R. Wood Foundation was founded in 1978 with a mission to provide assistance to areas of special need in the Lake George region and surrounding areas. Nonprofit organizations with an emphasis on programs for children, healthcare, and the arts are the beneficiaries of the foundation’s generosity.
A board of trustees oversees the foundation with a goal to preserve the mission established by Charles R. Wood.
Caffè Lena is widely recognized as the oldest, continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. Music, poetry, storytelling and open mics are held nearly every night of the week.
For a complete schedule, go to www.caffelena.org or call 518-583-0022.