MONROE - The Monroe Theatre Guild (MTG) is more than halfway to its goal to raise $750,000 for a new professional performance theatre.
Guild Capital Campaign Chairman Richard A. Maliszewski announced Wednesday the organization has raised more than $440,000 in donations, pledges and gifts.
"It's been an effort because of the stressed economy," he said.
Maliszewski said people have seen the need for a new theatre in Monroe and have supported the theatre guild.
"No one I've talked to, and I've talked to a lot of people, has said it was a bad idea for us to buy the STAGE building," he said.
Last week, three Monroe banks, Wisconsin Community Bank, Woodford State Bank and First National Bank, pledged $15,000 to be paid over the next three years to the guild.
In August, the theatre guild began its capital campaign. The drive kicked off with board members, committee members and campaign leaders pledged $94,000.
The Swiss Colony has given $50,000 as part of an arrangement with MTG, Maliszewski said.
"It's a challenge donation," he said.
Each time the organization meets a specific amount, Swiss Colony donates $25,000.
The company pledged to donate $25,000 when the campaign reached $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
The guild purchased the STAGE building, 910 16th Ave., in 2007 for its permanent home.
Renovations will include new walls, building facade, and heating and air conditioning equipment. The building will be used for plays and other theatre guild events.
Although he wouldn't release details, Maliszewski said plans are already underway to present more children and adult programs for 2010. He said the details will be released to the public after the groups annual meeting Saturday.
The guild also plans to perform two plays in 2010, "The Rabbit Hole" and "The Music Man."
The theatre guild has performed more than 100 plays since it was organized in 1970.
More information about MTG is available at www.monroetheatre.com.
Guild Capital Campaign Chairman Richard A. Maliszewski announced Wednesday the organization has raised more than $440,000 in donations, pledges and gifts.
"It's been an effort because of the stressed economy," he said.
Maliszewski said people have seen the need for a new theatre in Monroe and have supported the theatre guild.
"No one I've talked to, and I've talked to a lot of people, has said it was a bad idea for us to buy the STAGE building," he said.
Last week, three Monroe banks, Wisconsin Community Bank, Woodford State Bank and First National Bank, pledged $15,000 to be paid over the next three years to the guild.
In August, the theatre guild began its capital campaign. The drive kicked off with board members, committee members and campaign leaders pledged $94,000.
The Swiss Colony has given $50,000 as part of an arrangement with MTG, Maliszewski said.
"It's a challenge donation," he said.
Each time the organization meets a specific amount, Swiss Colony donates $25,000.
The company pledged to donate $25,000 when the campaign reached $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
The guild purchased the STAGE building, 910 16th Ave., in 2007 for its permanent home.
Renovations will include new walls, building facade, and heating and air conditioning equipment. The building will be used for plays and other theatre guild events.
Although he wouldn't release details, Maliszewski said plans are already underway to present more children and adult programs for 2010. He said the details will be released to the public after the groups annual meeting Saturday.
The guild also plans to perform two plays in 2010, "The Rabbit Hole" and "The Music Man."
The theatre guild has performed more than 100 plays since it was organized in 1970.
More information about MTG is available at www.monroetheatre.com.