When Ed and Sara Kozel moved to Calistoga in 2017, they noticed something missing—a place for the community to gather and celebrate the arts. Over the past five years, the Kozels have been anchor donors behind the effort to open the Brannan Center, a nonprofit performing arts venue and community meeting space in Calistoga.
The Kozels, who relocated to Calistoga after many years in Healdsburg, felt an immediate connection to its charm. “Calistoga is a working town. The diversity here is much greater,” says Ed. Sara adds, “The community is tight-knit and cares.”
They also felt that NVCF, with our local insight, was a natural partner for their giving, and established a Donor Advised Fund.
“It made sense to work with a local group that would have more awareness of the Valley and its needs,” explains Sara.
In 2019, they connected with other community members who shared their vision of transforming the historic Presbyterian Church into a multi-use venue. “We started as a working group in the backyard, became a nonprofit in 2020, and just kept going,” says Sara.
Driven by their passion for arts education, they hope the independent, community-governed Brannan Center will provide Calistoga’s youth and families a place to explore the arts. “This is significant,” says Ed. “The high school doesn’t have a performing arts theater, for example.”
Reflecting on their partnership with NVCF, Sara appreciates the Foundation’s personal touch and responsiveness. “I know that when I send a message to one person, that one person knows who I am,” she says. The Kozels appreciate how NVCF helps them support the causes they care about most.