Youth Cultural Arts Foundation to Present Charlotte's Web in September.
Published Summer 1999

The Youth Cultural Arts Foundation (YCAF) began in 1998 by Gary and Kathy Dietz, a Bellflower-based husband and wife team with philanthropic interests in the performing arts.  After nearly twenty years of personal contributions to various community arts projects, Gary and Kathy incorporated and obtained non-profit status recognized as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service for what is now known as YCAF.

Today, YCAF has expanded to become a musical theater workshop program and producer of live theatrical events, with an emphasis on the youth of the local community.  "We are very excited about bringing the arts to Bellflower" says the Dietzs'.  "We have already received such wonderful support from the Chamber of Commerce, City of Bellflower Parks and Recreation Department, South Coast Title, and in fact, the company was just awarded a grant in collaboration with the Bellflower Unified School District to participate in the APPLE Program, an after school educational enrichment program which will improve student performances and provide a safe environment after school for students in grades K-9.  "We believe that children who have the opportunity to participate in the arts develop self-expression, build valuable social skills and work habits, and learn to appreciate the creative efforts of others.  On a civic level, the arts lead to an enhanced quality of life for all citizens by contributing to community image and pride.

Our First production, "Charlotte's Web," opens September 24th and runs through October 3rd at the William Bristol Civic Auditorium, 16600 Civic Center Dr., Bellflower.  Curtain is at 7:30 p.m.  Sunday matinee is at 2:00pm to 5:00 p.m.  The performances put on by our company take a lot of planning and hard work, so needless to say we are always looking for volunteers.  No matter what your talent is, painting, make-up, sewing, supervising kids, set building, computer graphics, or ushering, we will find a spot for you in our production.  Please call YCAF at 562-867-3524.

Also, please join the Youth Cultural Arts Foundation at their Grand Opening on August 26 at the City Hall Green Room.  The event will take place from 5 - 7 p.m.  Food, fun and an entertaining atmosphere will be had by all attending.