Moving Forward for a Performing Arts Center
2/12/08

With $1.25 million in cash, pledges and donations currently on hand the Supporters of the Performing Arts is moving forward in building a performing arts center for the Estes Park Community. Recently, the town entered a memorandum of understanding with SOPA identifying the land on the South East corner of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds dedicating it for the purpose of the center. The memorandum also provided for an annual subsidy in the amount of $217,000 once the theater is up and running and named SOPA the management company responsible for the operations of the theater.

While we have come a long way in our fund-raising efforts, a cost estimate of the current project, now 433 seats, puts the price tag at roughly $5M. We are grateful to the many individuals, groups, foundations and corporations that have given to this well deserving project thus far; nearly 300 to date. Approximately 100 of the 433 seats have already been sold at $500 making a perfect gift for a loved one. Not only do we still seek cash donations, but pledges are also a way to ensure the success of the project. Pledges, contingent on the actual building of the project, are a way to commit and get behind the theater without taking immediate cash out of pocket. Others may want to re-evaluate their year-end giving, and consider a cash or stock transfer to off set personal taxes before the final filing with the IRS in April. The Supporters of the Performing Arts is an official 501 (c) (3) corporation.

Although every contribution helps, this year’s goal is to seek out larger donations through both private and corporate sponsorships. The current cap grant with The Gates Family Foundation in the amount of $300,000 has been extended for another year.

This year will prove very fruitful with many organizations and groups performing a wide host of benefit events. For further information on the project, or to donate using a credit card, please visit our website at www.EstesParkTheater.com.

 The sale of the Lobby to the Todd family of Greeley, CO for $250,000 and the sale of the Green Room to Jerry and Linda Rutledge, Waseca, MN for $50,000 still leaves various other aspects of the theater for naming rights. Matching grants are another way to challenge our community in the fund raising efforts. Any questions pertaining to the project may be directed to Chairman Christopher Wood at 970-481-6142.

We sincerely appreciate the many individuals in support of this project. Your board: Christopher E. Wood-Chairman, Bennett Penn-Vice Chair, Lynette Johnson-Secretary, Rod Rawson-Treasurer, Bill McNamara, Julie Phares, Greig Steiner, Ron Wilcocks, and trustee Dorla Eisenlauer.