Cobb Reporter

The Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA), which started in the mid-1980s as the district's first magnet program, has grown to become a significant venue for stage plays, vocal performances, and musicals in Cobb County.

Robert Connor currently serves as the Director of CCCEPA, succeeding Frank Timmerman who retired in 2021 after a 28-year tenure. During his time at CCCEPA, Timmerman collaborated with Elisabeth Jonas from Encore Fundraising to raise funds and enhance the center's visibility within the community.

Elisabeth Jonas, an advocate for the arts with a strong connection to CCCEPA, passed away in November 2023 after battling Alzheimer's disease. In her will, she bequeathed $150,000 to CCCEPA, which was announced in October 2024. "What an incredible and unexpected gift!" said Director Connor. "This donation speaks to the impact that the CCCEPA has had on our community for 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!"

Janet Jonas Mann and Karen Roderique shared that Elisabeth had been impressed by Pebblebrook High School's work over the years and supported their fundraising efforts through various sales initiatives.

Elisabeth Jonas's donation is among the largest individual contributions received by Cobb Schools and will be utilized immediately to support theater productions at CCCEPA.