ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – State funding will benefit the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and a historic building in Ithaca.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Assemblymember Anna Kelles hosted New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to announce $750,000 for GIAC. The money will be used to expand and repurpose the GIAC-owned Red and White Café, which will provide future employment, kitchen, and cooking education opportunities for local youth.

Assemblymember Kelles said she was proud to celebrate the funding allocation, which will be included with $250,000 budgeted by the City of Ithaca.

“I am also deeply grateful to have the Speaker support this significant investment in GIAC,” said Kelles in a statement. “These funds will allow them to not only continue providing activities programming, culinary education, and opportunities for underrepresented youth in our community but also to help spur a neighborhood’s revitalization.”

According to Kelles, the Assembly Majority is seeking an award in Spring 2025 that would enable the renovation of the outdoor Alex Haley Municipal Pool for year-round swimming.