AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced a $50,000 contribution to the Friends of the Strand’s Earl Smith Tribute campaign. If successful, this campaign will result in renaming the Strand Theatre the Earl Smith Strand Theatre.

“Performing-arts education is key to community vitality,” said Don Barbour, regional manager of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia. “As our communities grow more diverse, the performing arts can help to bring these diverse populations together. At AT&T, our mission is to connect people, everywhere they live and work, and to do it better than anyone else. We are pleased to support this intersection of the arts, community building and economic development in Marietta and Cobb County.”

In November, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and a group of supporters pledged $500,000 as a “down payment” toward the $1 million needed to rename the Strand Theatre to honor Earl Smith, a longtime chair of the Friends of the Strand restoration effort. The group is $125,000 shy of reaching its goal.

Sam Olens, Cobb Commission chair, said, “Thanks to AT&T’s dedication to the arts and strengthening communities, we’re one step closer to opening the Strand’s doors and serving our community with myriad entertainment and arts-education opportunities. It’s outstanding that AT&T is helping to honor Earl Smith, a man who has strived to make Cobb a celebrated place to live, work and play for 50 years.”

A noted landmark on the historic Marietta Square, the theatre got its start as a major motion picture house in 1935 and remained in operation until 1976. Once renovated, the Strand will be a unique attraction and will appeal to local and area residents, as well as people from the Atlanta area. The theatre will remain close to its history by showing classic, foreign, independent and silent films. In addition, it will feature a venue for live performances of all kinds. The Strand will also feature a community-based theater program designed to expose students to film and live theatre in Cobb County and Marietta. The Strand, which is expected to draw regional and even national publicity, is expected to support economic development by anchoring a revitalized area in Marietta.

The Strand is slated for completion in November/December of 2008. The Strand’s total fundraising goal is $4.5 million, $3.2+ of which has been raised. For more information, visit www.FriendsOfTheStrand.org or call 678-569-1321.