A Los Angeles businessman and former CEO, John Blazevich, has a history of philanthropic endeavors. When initially asked for a small donation to renovate the Warner Grand Theatre, he instead fully funded the $40,000 cost for a new marquee. The new marquee was unveiled at a "Light up the Night" event on September 20, 1996, and has since helped the Warner Grand Theatre successfully host numerous community events and serve as a cultural center for the local area.

1. Warner Grand Theatre Receives a
New Marquee
John Blazevich

2. Introduction
A Los Angeles-based businessman and the former CEO of Contessa Premium
Foods, Inc. John Blazevich has long been involved in philanthropy. One of John
Blazevich’s notable charitable endeavors was a $40,000 donation made to the
Warner Grand Theatre.

3. The Warner Grand committee tasked with raising the funds for the building’s renovation,
initially got in touch with him to ask for a small contribution. Determined to help with the
rebirth of the theater and preserve what he referred to as a historical cornerstone, he
instead fully covered the cost of the new marquee for the theater.

4. On September 20, 1996, the block fronting the Warner Grand was closed for the
“Light up the Night” event, during which the restored marquee and blade sign re-
lit for the first time in 35 years. Since then, the Warner Grand Theatre has
successfully hosted numerous events and continues to be a cultural center of
the San Pedro area.