Looking for a great graduation gift or want to contribute to a school fundraiser? If so, then you may be interested in purchasing a seat nameplate in the new Performing Arts Center.
The Performing Arts Boosters hope the fundraiser will reach a large audience, according PAB President Holly Ward.
“The PAC will be used by the entire school from assemblies to lectures and presentations, so all parents and students should support the fundraising,” Ward said.
The money that is raised from the seat sales will go towards additional amenities that were not included in the building costs of the PAC, according to Ward.
“Selling seats is a time-honored way to raise funds for a new theater,” Ward said. “The Performing Arts staff have compiled lists of items they need for the new building. Examples are new risers for choir, new music stands for band, and new wireless mics for theater. The most expensive single item is a new grand piano, which will make the PAC an appealing venue for so many people in our community.”
Ward explains exactly what purchasing a seat entails.
“The donor’s money does not actually purchase the seat or the right to sit in the seat,” Ward said. “Instead, the donor gets an engraved nameplate on the chair.”
Purchases are tax deductible and the nameplates can be customized, according to Ward.
“Because the donor receives nothing of value for their gift, the donation is fully tax deductible,” Ward said. “Most donors request their name or the name of their student on the brass plate. Others have chosen quotes from plays or songs.”
The Performing Arts Boosters are hoping to continue the fundraiser for a several years, according to Ward.
“The financial goal is $400,000,” Ward said. “$200,000 in year one, $100,000 in year year and $100,000 in year 3. We received our first donation in early November so year one will end on October 31, 2016. To date, we have raised $75,000. The total cost of the items on the teacher’s wish lists is approximately $485,000.”
The pricing of chairs will vary on their location, according to Ward.
“The most popular seats, the orchestra center, cost $1,000 for the naming right,” Ward said. “The orchestra side seats cost $500 and the parterre seats are $250. We are also soliciting direct donations and donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. We plan to install a donor recognition wall in the lobby of the theater [which will include names of donors who contributed over $100].”
Despite the large effort required to fundraise, Ward is excited for the future of the PAC.
“I was Theater Boosters president from 2007 to 2011 and my daughters both loved theater,” Ward said. “When I learned that a group of parents had raised funds for the Media Arts Center, I felt compelled to help raise funds for the PAC and I want to see it through to the end and make sure that it will provide a first class setting for the outstanding performing artists at Paly. All the hard work is worthwhile when I see the positively giddy expressions on the Performing Arts staff as they walk through the PAC and talk about the features of this state of the art facility.”
To purchase a seat or donate directly to the Performing Arts Boosters, please visit www.palypab.com