The gift is from local businessman Dan Costa and his wife Denise. It’s intended to help expose school children to the theater…kids who otherwise might not be able to experience it.

Lynn Dickerson is the Gallo Center’s chief executive officer.

“Both of the Costas grew up on the poor side of town and they have a real heart for the underprivileged in our community. So this money is earmarked for us to make the theater accessible for children and high school kids and junior high aged kids.”

Dickerson says she and her staff are still setting the parameters of the program. But she says the donation could be used to buy tickets for kids from low-income families to see upcoming productions of “Annie” and “Wizard of Oz.”

Dan Costa is president and CEO of a Modesto-based company that provides uniforms and equipment for law enforcement agencies and the military.