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“Help Stoke the Kiln” click below
On behalf of the Board of Governance for Theater at Lime Kiln, I am appealing to seek financial support for this worthy 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.
For the past three decades, Theater at Lime Kiln has done so much for our community in providing a place where talented actors, musicians, and artists gather to create magical evenings of theater and music. A place where families relax and friends gather to attend performances under the stars. Theater at Lime Kiln has been acclaimed as “one of the most agreeable spots in the western world,” and literally has brought millions of dollars into our community via visitors to our performances.
The theater has been on life support for the past several seasons. We have survived with a staff of 3 doing the work of 10, there are no expenses that can be reduced any further, and we proudly carry no debt. While we have valiantly struggled from year to year to present a season, the theater’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate and consume what little cash reserves exist. As a Board, we have unanimously concluded that it is not sustainable to continue as is. If the Kiln is to once again burn brightly as one of Virginia’s premier performing arts centers, we must migrate to a model that will provide us the income we need to become more self- sustaining. Our new business model specifies presentation of concerts and plays that are of such notoriety that patrons will ‘travel to see,’ thereby bringing increased tourism dollars to our communities.
This migration to a new business model that will enhance the theater’s long term self sustainability cannot be achieved without community and patron support. As such, we are launching the “Help Stoke the Kiln” fundraising campaign which will seek additional funding from a wide range of sources, with particular focus on the communities we serve. The theater needs to raise the first $100,000 by September 30, 2012, to cover ongoing operating expenses and commence preparations for the 2013 season. An additional $300,000 is required by December 31, 2012, so as to facilitate the restoration and renovation of the site. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to restore Theater at Lime Kiln to its former glory as one of the most prestigious outdoor performing arts centers in Virginia.
As a patron, I know you appreciate the vitality Theater at Lime Kiln bestows on our region and on our quality of life. As such I would like to invite you to become a member of our “Help Stoke the Kiln eTeam,” the core of our fundraising effort. We are seeking from our Community of Patrons such as you a commitment to our immediate need of raising $100,000 by September 30, 2012.
I know that this is a big request to make, so before you decide, please imagine for a moment if the theater ceased to exist! And it may, if we are not successful in our fundraising efforts. If we cannot raise the necessary $100,000 by September 30, 2012, we will need to make grave decisions about the existence of our 2013 season and, most significantly, the immediate future of Theater at Lime Kiln. Now imagine the theater hosting performers like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lindsey Buckingham, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, along with nationally renowned travelling theater groups. Imagine a 2013 season that is a springboard to the new more self-sustaining Theater at Lime Kiln, one that generates an annual audience in excess of 10,000 and what that can do for our communities and for the arts in our region.
To make a donation please click the link below. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Donations will be deposited in the Theater at Lime Kiln “Help Stoke the Kiln” restricted account at Cornerstone Bank. If the goal of $100,000 is not met by September 30, 2012, the funds will be returned to the generous donors as the theater will be unable to continue operations.
Thank you for your consideration and help for reviving this most wonderful asset of our community.
Warmest regards,
Tony Russell
Executive Director
Other Ways You Can Help
TALK’s Value to our Community… For the past 27 years, TALK has entertained, amazed, and educated all who have ventured into the natural performance spaces.
“The shows seen under the stars at the Lime Kiln have provided Rockbridge area residents and tourists alike with many truly magical experiences” – The Lexington News Gazette.
TALK helps our Community… in many ways: by creating employment, supporting local businesses from restaurants to hotels, and everything in between, generating tax revenue for local government from each and every tourist who attends a performance. While we are justifiably proud that over over the years we have both entertained and helped in the education of our citizens of all ages, our greatest sense of accomplishment is derived from knowing that we have helped maintain our culture and build our community, all while raising our spirits.
Why we need your support… Ticket and concession sales account for about 60% of the funds we require annually to present our season. By choosing to “invest” in TALK in any way, you help preserve our unique culture, heritage, and sense of place.
We rely on ongoing support fromdonors, sponsors, and advertisers to enable us to fully deliver our performance program. Without it we would struggle to survive, Your support is absolutely crucial to the theater now and in the future so please support if you can. Thank you.
Ways You Can Help
Bring your friends… if you like what you see, tell your friends and family.
Buy a season subscription… if you like what you see and would like to save money, consider one our season subscriptions options.
Monte Carlo Evening… Save the date February 4, 2012! Enjoy an evening of glitz, glamour, and gaming at Lime Kiln’s major fundraising event for the year. Try your hand at Roulette, Craps, Black Jack, and Texas Hold ‘em – all to benefit the Theater at Lime Kiln! Monte Carlo is your chance to dress up, kick back, and have a great time. Everyone goes home happy!
Become a Volunteer… Join our volunteer corp, Friends of Lime Kiln Serving (FOLKS). For more information, contact Alice at (540) 463.7088 or via email: alice@theateratlimekiln.,com
Become a Sponsor… Consider becoming a sponsor of one of our shows. A broad range of benefits can accrue by becoming a TALK sponsor: from enhancing visibility due to positive publicity through a range of media, to developing deeper and more appreciated ties within our community. For more information, contact Tony at (540) 463.7088 or via email: tony@theateratlimekiln.com.
Become an Advertiser… Our season brochure is mailed the 9,600 households with the remainder of the 12,000 print being deposited in Visitor’s Centers and other such locations throughout the region. The promotional life of our brochure and your ad is 5 months! You also have the option of advertising on our website.
Donate… By choosing to donate to our annual fund, you help TALK preserve our unique culture and heritage and sense of place. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.