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Couple honored for philanthropy
Charities always hope to receive donations. For most, that is their lifeblood. The Alliance for the Arts is fortunate to have Thousand Oaks residents Tony and Mary Tesoro as contributors, and in recognition of their generous gifts, the couple will receive the Philanthropist Builder of the Arts award at the inaugural AFTA awards dinner Nov. 8 at the Hyatt Westlake Hotel. The Alliance is the official nonprofit fundraising group for the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and the arts programs and shows provided within are made possible by the contributions gathered by the Alliance. "The Tesoros have always been there for us," said Patricia Jones, Alliance president and executive director. "And they keep giving." The Tesoros have been Alliance members since November 1994. At that time, they gave $250,000, and the Civic Arts Plaza courtyard was named in Tony’s honor. They later donated a life-size triple American eagle bronze sculpture, "Territorial Dispute" by J. Chester Armstrong to be permanently displayed at the entrance to the Anthony J. Tesoro Courtyard of the Oaks. In 2001 the Tesoro family did it again. Tony and Mary gave $150,000 to name the courtyard stage after their parents, Joseph and Josephine Tesoro, and Gene and Agnes Fox. "The Alliance for the Arts is important to me, personally, because it helps the local community and it establishes grants for children performances," Tony said in a recent interview. He and his wife learned about their upcoming award about a month ago. "It’s a very nice appreciation award for my family’s philanthropy and fund raising efforts," Tony said. The Tesoros are unique donors, Jones said, "Because they support every event we do here. Any special event we do, they buy a table, or they buy a foursome if it’s a golf tournament. "They support our endowment program, they support annual membership, anything we ever solicit for, they support," she said. This isn’t the first time the Alliance for the Arts has recognized those that contribute to the Civic Arts Plaza. "We have honored people in the past," Jones said. "The term ‘AFTA awards’ is a new term we’re using this year... We just recognized people and gave them awards before." Now the awards have an official title. Others honored by the Alliance for the Arts in the past include the "Los Angeles Times," Wellpointe, Fred Kavli and Janet and Ray Sherr for their individual donations. The AFTA awards will recognize others in addition to the Tesoros. Live entertainment and art exhibitions will be on hand and TV personality Jane Velez-Mitchell will be mistress of ceremonies. For more information, call the Alliance for the Arts at (805) 449-2590. A native Californian, Tony graduated from St. Catherine’s Military Academy, Pasadena High School, Pasadena City College, Mt. San Antonio College and the New York Institute of Finance. He began work with Cantor, Fitrzgerald & Co. of Beverly Hills as a trainee in the stockbroker program. After 10 years, he became vice-president of the block trading department. Then, with three partners, he started a Westlake Village firm. |
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