APRIL/MAY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 47
refurbishments like the Grand
Opera House.
"We look for projects that
let us be part of the community
and don't see them as building
just buildings," she said. "We
want to see Karla Redding
and her organization beaming
when the project is over. That's
what keeps us motivated. We
want them to have the perfect
place to expose more and more
children to music and the arts,
kids who may never have the
chance without the Otis Redding
Foundation's backing. I don't
have the right adjectives to say
how I feel, but it makes me proud
to be a part of their dream, even
if it's a small part. We need to
invest in future generations
and, based on what I've learned
in my own life, education is the
key to opportunity. I'm excited
to be among these women and
a diverse team of women at
that — one representing all our
community. It's been a long time
coming, but were getting there.
This is a good example."
Kovac said next steps in the
process include evaluating
buildings that have been empty
for decades to see that they are
stabilized for future work.
Redding-Andrews said, "You
know, historic Cotton Avenue is
actually where my dad walked,
had his offices and made dreams
come true. I can't wait to see what
happens there now."
The Otis Redding Foundation
and new Otis Redding Center
for the Arts is dedicated to
improving the quality of life for the
community through educating and
empowering its youth. You can be a
part of making dreams come true.
To donate or learn more, contact
the foundation at fountation@
otisreddingfoundation.org or
478-742-5737. Donate directly at
Otisreddingfoundation.org/donate.
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