$ given in memory
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Money Talk
Forum Discription: Questions about fundraising and promotion
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3498
Printed Date: 11/21/24 at 11:48pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: $ given in memory
Posted By: Nanette
Subject: $ given in memory
Date Posted: 10/02/08 at 10:04am
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We were recently given a small sum of money from the family of a patron in her memory. They simply said that they wanted the theatre to have the money in her memory; no mention of how it's to be used. They've left that up to us. Any suggestions as to how to use this gift? We don't want it to simply go into our general account. We'd like to remember this woman in a special way.
We borrow our space from a local church, so we can't place anything permanently. ------------- In a world of margarine, be butter! |
Replies:
Posted By: dboris
Date Posted: 10/02/08 at 12:34pm
| You could use the money for a specific show and then dedicate a performance, or the entire run of that show to her. |
Posted By: skoehler
Date Posted: 10/02/08 at 12:40pm
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Generally speaking people seem to enjoy knowing that their gift will help the theatre in a substantial way. Either through some investment in capital, which I am guessing would not be right for you if you do not own your location, or investing in the future of the company. Do you have an endowment? Is the gift large enough to start one? Something that will allow the gift to keep giving. This also shows strong fiscal management, which is critical in securing future gifts. Congrats on the gift, and best of luck. ------------- Steven Koehler Managing Director Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette www.lafayettecivic.org |
Posted By: belle
Date Posted: 10/02/08 at 2:18pm
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If it's in the $100-$1500 range (not large enough to be much of an endowment) you might consider buying a piece of equipment so it will be a permanent addition to the company--a lighting instrument(s), body mic(s), laptop, software, sound board, light board, or follow spot. Those things could be used in different venus for a long time.
If you don't need equipment or don't have storage for it, you could bring in a person to help train actors/techs/etc. That education would improve your company in the future. In all advertising before and pictures afterward, mention the program is a gift of the donor.
With all gifts, I try to think of things that I always wished we had money for and spend it on that.
Finally, mention the gift giver in all future play programs (or for a reasonable amount of time). That way you tell your donors how much their gift is appreciated and remind others that gifts are always welcome.
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Posted By: Nanette
Date Posted: 10/02/08 at 2:45pm
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Thanks for the suggestions. I had thought about dedicating the next show to her, but I also like the idea of purchasing something that we need in her honor. ------------- In a world of margarine, be butter! |
Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 10/10/08 at 3:33pm
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What about starting a scholarship fund in her name? Perhaps going to a local graduating HS student that intends to major in the performing arts. It doesn't have to be much, even a couple hundred dollars is helpfull. We give out a $500 scholarship most years as long as there's a deserving student. ------------- BD 
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: Cravens
Date Posted: 11/03/08 at 6:12pm
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We have had that happen as well. We ended up purchasing a prop - a desk that has been used in several productions. Then we mention it is the show program that it is being used in memory of. ------------- Tracy www.longmonttheatre.org |
Posted By: Marshall
Date Posted: 1/12/09 at 5:51am
Hi, great to know all this, well its really very good that you are dedicating him your next show. This will be really honorable to him. All the best for it. ------------- |
Posted By: Nanette
Date Posted: 1/12/09 at 7:04am
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An update: We dedicated the run of the show to her, noting it in the program and before each performance. Her husband was sent comp tickets and a letter telling him how we had used the money. We were delighted to see that he came! He left us a wonderful note on our comments sheet saying that his beloved has thoroughly enjoyed that evening's performance. ------------- In a world of margarine, be butter! |
Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 1/23/09 at 1:08pm
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That tells you that you did the best thing with the gift: you gave to the community and it ended up coming back to the giver! |
Posted By: reloindex120
Date Posted: 2/16/09 at 6:25am
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Use the money for a particular show and then use a performance, or the entire run of that show to her.
------------- http://www.relo-index.com/ - Money Services | http://www.relo-index.com/ - Immigration Advice |