Cobb Reporter

The Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA), established as the district's first magnet program in the mid-1980s, has announced a significant donation from a long-time supporter. The center, known for its stage plays, vocal performances, and musicals, will receive $150,000 from the estate of Elisabeth Jonas.

Robert Connor, who became CCCEPA's director following Frank Timmerman's retirement in 2021 after nearly three decades of service, shared his gratitude for the donation. "What an incredible and unexpected gift!" Connor remarked. "This donation speaks to the impact that the CCCEPA has had on our community for many, many years. This legacy gift will impact the futures of so many gifted students in our program. We are grateful to Elisabeth Jonas and her family!"

Elisabeth Jonas collaborated with Timmerman through her company Encore Fundraising to raise funds and increase CCCEPA's visibility within Cobb County. Despite facing Alzheimer's disease in her later years, she remained committed to supporting the arts and included CCCEPA in her will.

Her sister Janet Jonas Mann and daughter-in-law Karen Roderique noted Elisabeth's involvement with Pebblebrook High School, where she supported fundraising efforts by selling items such as cheesecakes and cookie dough. "Pebblebrook was one of the first schools she worked with, and she was always so impressed with what was happening here," they said.

The donation is among the largest individual gifts received by Cobb Schools and will be utilized immediately to support theater productions at CCCEPA.