Published: June 05, 2007
Visionary Arts Center President Wins Rotary Service Award
The Rotary Club of Four Townes awarded Lloyd Marcus the 2007 Lloyd Larson Service Above Self Award at their 20th Anniversary Banquet. The banquet took place Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Artisan Inn Deland.
Lloyd Marcus, president of the Deltona Arts & Historical Center won the award for his years of service to the community.
For more information about the banquet and Rotary visit: www.fourtownesrotary.com
Seven years ago, singer, songwriter, producer and fine artist Lloyd Marcus along with his wife Mary, relocated to Orlando, Florida for what they thought was the job offer of his dreams. In a nut shell, it fell through. They were stranded in Florida unemployed with only the funds from the sale of their Maryland home. However, God had a higher purpose.
After three difficult years of performing in dives, working construction and volunteering for community enrichment projects, Lloyd was nominated for the position of president of the Deltona Arts and Historical Center.
Reluctantly, Lloyd accepted the non paid presidency. The facility was so dated, dead and unappealing a local newspaper reporter said he could not imagine why anyone would want to visit. Some in the community suggested that the center close permanently.
Lloyd found funds and remodeled the facility. He started 'open mikes' and art classes for adults and youths. Lloyd installed a recording studio with far below market rates to afford working class artists a very rare opportunity to record and develop their songs and music talents.
Over the past four years, several musical artists in the community from children to adults have benefited from this community service.
Lloyd has helped many other community members and organizations from his volunteer role as Arts Center president. To name a few, he organized fundraisers for two families in need, a Katrina Aid concert and Deltona's first Multicultural Festival to promote racial harmony.
In honor of his city's community spirit and resilience after three back to back hurricanes, Lloyd wrote, performed and recorded the extremely popular "Deltona Song". As a judge for Congressional Art Competitions, Lloyd is well known in government throughout the state of Florida.
Lloyd's current visionary project will impact all of Central Florida, an estimated 25 million dollar arts and performance center. Still a volunteer, Lloyd is working harder than ever and loving every minute of it. Like the famous line from the "Blues Brothers" movie, Lloyd believes he is on a mission from God.
judythpiazza@gmail.com
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