The underwriting starts with Sunday's program "Gladys the Riveter" and will continue for all Back Room programs during 2004.
Admission is charged for Back Room programs which are also underwritten in part by the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Having the support of another sponsor will insure that quality programming can continue, Neuforth said.
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants administers pension plans for third parties and is one of the largest private employers in Barton County. The company is also sponsoring the Great Bend Jazz Festival again this year, said Erika Brining, director of human resources at CPI.
"We decided a few years ago to step up to the plate and support arts and entertainment in the community," Brining said. The Arts Council presented a proposal for CPI to be the main underwriter of Back Room programs and company officials decided it was a worthy cause, she added.
The jazz festival, featuring Kevin Mahogany, Frank Mantooth, Bob Bowman and the Fort Hays State University Jazz Ensemble, will be held Jan. 17 at the Crest Theater.