Non-profit awarded for helping high school students make it in showbiz

SAN ANTONIO - Lights, camera, action! Another local non-profit is taking home one thousand dollars courtesy of Carabin Shaw. This month’s 'Pay It Forward' winner works endlessly to keep the performing arts alive and thriving not just in San Antonio, but across The Lone Star State. News 4s Jeannette Calle spotlights this month’s lucky winner.

Founded in 1988 as a nonprofit dedicated to saving the Majestic and Empire Theaters, this organization later refocused its mission to helping high school students continue their education in the performing arts through scholarships. It’s how they give back to the community.

“Las Casas Foundation invests in the past, present, and future of the performing arts by preserving historic theaters and cultivating young theater audiences and supporting arts programming within the community,” explained Doren Fein, Executive Director, Las Casas Foundation. “We are stewards of the theaters, so we do need to ensure the future of the theaters and by doing that our focus now is in performing arts education and providing opportunities for high school students to learn about the arts, performing arts, also to pursue careers and higher education.”

Over the last 15 years Las Casas Foundation, by way of the Joci Awards, has awarded over one million dollars to high school students nationwide!

“Las Casas Foundation scholarship program is actually the largest funding source of its kind in the country,” said Fein.

The Joci Awards is a one-night showcase of more than 20 talented high school students. After performing that night, all the students go home with a scholarship!

“We would love to fill this theater,” exclaimed Fein.

“The Joci Awards will be on Sunday, May 21st and you can purchase tickets online at majesticempire.com or lascasasfoundation.org,” said Fein.

Jeannette Calle: "Before we go, I have a little surprise for you. Anna Shaw from Carabin Shaw, you met her behind the scenes, but if you look behind you, she actually has a $1,000 check going to Las Casas Foundation!"

Anna Saw: “Congratulations!”

Doren Fein: “Thank you so much!”

If you would like to learn more about Las Casas Foundation and how you can get involved, check outlascasasfoundation.org

Carabin Shaw would like to award another $1,000 next month and we want to spotlight that winner, so if you know of a deserving non-profit, CLICK HERE to nominate...