Flat Rock Playhouse Receives $100,000 Matching Grant for 'Save the Playhouse' Campaign

Over the past two days, the Flat Rock Playhouse has enjoyed a significant jump in contributions to its "Save The Playhouse" campaign, led by a $100,000 matching grant. Donated by a long-time Playhouse supporter, who wishes to remain anonymous, this dollar-for-dollar matching donation is designed to spark additional contributions from individuals, government entities, and corporations.

This contribution is just one of several that have come in over the last few days from other area businesses and supporters of the Flat Rock Playhouse. The Playhouse is in the midst of an aggressive and immediate, year-end fundraising drive to raise $250,000 to fund ongoing operations. In just 12 days, the campaign has received just over $114,000, not including the matching grant.

Other significant contributions, made this week, include:

- A local foundation that wishes to remain anonymous contributed $25,000. In making the donation, the foundation cited the value of what the YouTheatre Educational Program offers to Henderson, Buncombe, and surrounding counties, as well the diversity of programming available through the Mainstage and Downtown venues.
- A patron who was introduced to The Playhouse through the recent production of Zelda: An American Love Story made a contribution of $20,000.
- Local businesses, Harmony Motors of Asheville, Boyd Automotive and Highland Lake Inn, made donations totaling more than $5,200.
- An anonymous gift of $10,000
- Two individual donations of $5,000 each

Today's contributions of $70,258.34 plus the $43,744.57 that was previously raised through the campaign place the "Save The Playhouse" fund drive at a total of $114,002.91.

With the anticipated total goal of the campaign at $250,000, Playhouse staff and Board of Trusties have confidence in the execution of the 2013 season and the YouTheatre Education program offerings.

In support of the "Save The Playhouse" campaign, several fundraisers have been scheduled, including:

An Evening with Jim Lauderdale - Thursday, December 6th, at 7:30 pm at the Bonclarken Youth Activity Building: Having opened for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash and George Clinton, two-time Grammy award winner Jim Lauderdale is sure to appeal to music lovers of many varieties. Neela Munoz, Flat Rock Playhouse director and actor will serve as host for the evening. Tickets are $25.

"For The Rock" - Tuesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm at The Playhouse Mainstage: Join vagabonds through the years in celebration of The Playhouse. The evening includes some of the craziest and most talented people in show biz. A fantastic mixture of Vagabonds old and new takes the stage in this rip-roaring benefit concert "For the Rock!" You'll be bouncing in your seat from laughter or the beat of a song that's got some heat on it. We've got Scott Treadway, Paige Posey, Ralph Redpath, Neela & Billy Munoz, Lauren Mayes Hopkins, Renee Heffel, Lisa Kanoy Bryant, Erin Mosher, Wendy Hayes, Andrew Livingston, Katie Mooney and many more! They'll fill your heart and rock your world as they live up to the Vagabond motto: "I will work hard, play harder and nap wisely." Don't you dare miss this event! Oh, and bring some money, cause it's a fun-raiser! There is a $25 minimum donation to attend.

For more information about other fundraisers and benefits, call The Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008, or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Individual donations to the "Save The Playhouse" Campaign can be made by phone, mail and online. Phone: 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008. Mail: checks made payable to Flat Rock Playhouse, care of Bill Muñoz, Flat Rock Playhouse, P.O. Box 310 Flat Rock, NC 28731. Online: www.flatrockplayhouse.org/supportfrp/donate.

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