The Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) and The Marion Community Foundation are pleased to report the 2012-2013 PCAA matching fund membership challenge was a great success.
A special challenge was presented to Marion and surrounding communities in early spring. The Wopat Community Fund of the Marion Community Foundation offered to match all new PCAA memberships or increases by current members (up to $100.00 per member) to a maximum combined match of $10,000.
Executive Director Bev Ford reported the community has stepped up to that challenge and surpassed it.
In response to the number of new and increased memberships the Palace received, the Marion Community Foundation was willing to raise the ceiling on the matching gift to an increased maximum combined amount of $15,000.
Ford expressed gratitude to all those involved.
"The Palace board and staff are grateful for the cooperation of the Marion Community Foundation, the generosity of the Wopat Community Fund, and the overwhelming participation of our members, old and new. The response is above and beyond what we had imagined."
"This matching grant was an opportunity for the entire community," says Brad Bebout, President of the Marion Community Foundation. "In these challenging economic times, Marion Community Foundation was pleased to help residents become more involved in philanthropy by making their resources go even further. At the same time, we were able to provide much needed support for the Palace Theatre, a community treasure."
Ford added that the membership campaign is still in its early stages.
"While the matching fund challenge has concluded, we still need the support of our previous members who have not yet renewed and the added assistance of potential new members. Our big push is in the spring each year as we prepare for the start of the new season on July 1. As our campaign continues all season long, we welcome donations at any level throughout the year."
Donations to the PCAA are tax deductible and several levels of giving are available. All members receive benefits including early access to tickets, discounts at area restaurants, movie and popcorn passes.
Community funded support is not a new concept where the Palace is concerned. In fact, the Theatre's history has depended upon it since the 1970's when the theatre was in danger of closing its doors.
When news spread that the Palace might be sold and lost forever, the citizens of Marion went into action. Led by a group of men known as the Palace Guard, the community raised nearly $500,000 through individual and corporate donations. Those donations and efforts helped preserve a place not only rich in history for the community, but filled with personal history for thousands of Ohio citizens.
Today, the Palace Cultural Arts Association still runs the Palace, which remains operational thanks to generous donations by PCAA members.
Noting that it takes a great deal of funding to keep a historic theatre running; especially one as active as the Palace, Ford invites others to get involved in the annual membership fund drive.
"The theatre sees in excess of 75,000 people come through the doors each year. If one in four people who visited the theatre for a movie, a play or a live performance or art class contributed just $25 to the annual membership drive we could raise in excess of $450,000," Ford states. "That would have a huge impact on covering the operating costs of the theatre, where a couple of utility bills alone total nearly $50,000 a year."
Those wishing to become a member of the Palace for the 2012-2013 season may do so by contacting the Marion Palace Theatre by phone at 740/383-2101 or visiting the box office at 270 W. Center St. in downtown Marion. Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and closed Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Information may also be found online at www.marionpalace.org.
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