MONROE - The Monroe Theatre Guild's campaign to purchase and renovate the Stage building opened to great reviews Tuesday at the Stage building, 910 16th Ave.
Board members, committee members and campaign leaders reached, and exceeded, their goal to raise $75,000 in pledges. The group pledged more than $92,000 toward the project.
Over the next three months, MTG plans to raise $750,000 for its campaign to not only purchase the Stage building, but to remodel it into a place that can be used for performances, as well as play practices and storage. Renovations will include new walls, a new front for the building and new heating and air conditioning equipment.
Campaign chairman Rick Maliszewski said it was important theatre guild leaders met the challenge to raise 10 percent of the project's financial goal. It shows people in Monroe and around the county that the MTG leadership supports the project. It was even better to exceed the 10 percent goal, he said.
"We're off to a great start," he said. "This shows our dedication to a new performance center in Monroe."
The "Setting the Stage for the Future" campaign will go forward to raise the rest of the money by the end of the year, Maliszewski said. The ultimate goal is to have the building ready for its first performance by next summer, he added.
On Sept. 2, campaign committee members will begin to talk to local businesses and business leaders to raise $700,000. The group hopes to raise the remaining $50,000 from individual contributions.
In addition to the money pledged Tuesday, the Swiss Colony announced a challenge grant for the fund raising campaign. Swiss Colony will donate $25,000 each time the capital campaign pledges reach $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
Maliszewski said there are required dates for each of the goals in order to receive the money from Swiss Colony but he's confident the goals can be reached.
"With the generosity of the individuals and businesses within Green County, we can meet this challenge," he said.
The Monroe Theatre Guild has performed more than 100 plays since it was organized in 1970.
More information about the theatre guild, including upcoming shows, is available at www.monroetheatre.com.
Board members, committee members and campaign leaders reached, and exceeded, their goal to raise $75,000 in pledges. The group pledged more than $92,000 toward the project.
Over the next three months, MTG plans to raise $750,000 for its campaign to not only purchase the Stage building, but to remodel it into a place that can be used for performances, as well as play practices and storage. Renovations will include new walls, a new front for the building and new heating and air conditioning equipment.
Campaign chairman Rick Maliszewski said it was important theatre guild leaders met the challenge to raise 10 percent of the project's financial goal. It shows people in Monroe and around the county that the MTG leadership supports the project. It was even better to exceed the 10 percent goal, he said.
"We're off to a great start," he said. "This shows our dedication to a new performance center in Monroe."
The "Setting the Stage for the Future" campaign will go forward to raise the rest of the money by the end of the year, Maliszewski said. The ultimate goal is to have the building ready for its first performance by next summer, he added.
On Sept. 2, campaign committee members will begin to talk to local businesses and business leaders to raise $700,000. The group hopes to raise the remaining $50,000 from individual contributions.
In addition to the money pledged Tuesday, the Swiss Colony announced a challenge grant for the fund raising campaign. Swiss Colony will donate $25,000 each time the capital campaign pledges reach $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
Maliszewski said there are required dates for each of the goals in order to receive the money from Swiss Colony but he's confident the goals can be reached.
"With the generosity of the individuals and businesses within Green County, we can meet this challenge," he said.
The Monroe Theatre Guild has performed more than 100 plays since it was organized in 1970.
More information about the theatre guild, including upcoming shows, is available at www.monroetheatre.com.