The Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge #2504 helped cook up some barbecue Saturday afternoon for a drive-by fundraiser benefiting the Coastal Performing Arts Foundation (CPAF).
A spokesperson for CPAF said the company provides musical theatre, theatre and dance programs for children between the ages of seven and 17 and features three performances every year.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation has been struggling financially, according to the spokesperson, so the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge #2504 gave the organization a space to raise funds for future programs.
"It's very difficult to raise money for theatre, especially because of COVID," said Natalia Noriega, former theatre director and instructor for CPAF. "This is very tough for the theatre community in general, from Broadway to little theatre, and now to children's theatre especially."
For a $50 donation, community members could receive a meal with a large tri-tip, beans, garlic bread and chocolate chip cookies.
Pickup for the barbecue meals was scheduled from 4-5 p.m. Saturday at the Oceano Elks Lodge located on the 400 block of Air Park Drive.
"Not only do you get a fresh, hot, delicious meal your whole family will love, but your purchase helps support our kids and allows us to put on our productions for the youth of the Central Coast," read a promotional flyer for the fundraiser.
In an effort to continue services during the coronavirus pandemic, CPAF has been providing theatre classes for children via Zoom.
"We're trying to create awareness for two types of classes: theatre/acting and musical theatre/dance," added Noriega. "There are options that offer some sort of participation and activity as long as parents are OK with that."
To register your child in a CPAF Zoom class, visit the theatre company's website.
