Grafton Suburban Credit Union (GSCU) has donated $5,000 to Apple Tree Arts’ effort to restore the 150-year-old Grafton Town House and turn it into a community arts center and performance space.

Apple Tree Arts, a non-profit community school for the arts,  signed a 30-year lease with the Town of Grafton in 2011, intending to transform the building into a community arts destination. GSCU’s donation is the first contribution by a local business towards Apple Tree’s new $2.6 million public capital campaign to fund the $4.2 million project.

"What distinguishes Grafton among regional communities is its ‘home grown’ organizations. Apple Tree Arts is a classic example of a small group of people coming together to do good things. Grafton Suburban identifies with that business model. That’s why we are so eager to be supportive," said GSCU’s President and CEO Ed Lopes in a statement.

"We couldn’t have accomplished all of what we have so far without GSCU. Ed has been a strong advocate of our organization over the years," said Apple Tree Arts Executive Director Donna Blanchard in a statement. "We cannot do this alone, and truly need the support of the business community to foster our Capital Campaign."