Palace launches annual appeal

02/12/2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2007

CONTACT: Sheree Marcucci
(203) 755-8483 X 133
marcucci@palacetheaterct.org

PALACE THEATER LAUNCHES ANNUAL APPEAL
UCONN Director Pizzutto Named as Chairperson

WATERBURY – The Palace Theater has announced the chairperson for its 2007 Annual Appeal, Dr. William Pizzutto, Director of the UCONN Waterbury Campus. As chairperson, Pizzutto, a member of the theater’s Board of Directors, will assist in educating both patrons and the general public by spreading the message that ticket sales alone can’t support any professional performing arts venue, such as the Palace Theater.

“The theme for this year’s appeal underscores that message and the importance of every gift from five dollars to five thousand,” stated Natalie Lawlor, the theater’s development officer. The fundraising goal for the Annual Appeal, which runs through June 30, is $170,000.  A recent phone-a-thon conducted by theater volunteers was not only an activity meant to raise dollars, but also raise awareness. Most people assume that by solely purchasing tickets to events they are doing their part to support the theater.

“While we are grateful for that patronage, of course, it is the rare venue today that can keep its doors open based on ticket sales alone,” echoed Frank Tavera, executive director of the non-for-profit theater. Even those theaters that have been in existence for many years must raise funds to cover general operating costs that ticket sales don’t. “The marketplace today gives consumers many choices for entertainment, from malls to casinos and everything in between. To thrive, a not-for-profit theater such as the Palace must have a varied and strategic fundraising plan. An Annual appeal is just one of several activities we have conducted to meet this fiscal year’s overall goal for contributed income,” Tavera continued. Given Governor Rell’s proposed budget cut to the Palace, Annual Fund contributions are even more important than ever.

The community and prospective contributors are being reached in a variety of ways, from directed mailings to hearing the message on radio and cable access television. “We want to insure everyone who would like to help the theater has heard our message and has had the opportunity to make a contribution,” Lawlor concluded.

If you would like information on the theater’s Annual Fund please contact Lawlor at 203.755.8483 ext 139.

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About the Palace
The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to build a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the arts by operating, maintaining and sustaining itself as a financially viable not-for-profit performing arts center that generates a positive artistic, educational, social and financial impact on the Greater Waterbury area. For more information, visit: www.palacetheaterct.org.

The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges support by: Bank of America, Chase Parkway Volvo, City of Waterbury, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Naugatuck Savings Bank, Republican-American, Saint Mary's Hospital, ShopRite, The Junior League of Greater Waterbury, Waterbury Hospital, Webster Bank, and WTNH/WCTX.

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