Westport Country Playhouse Awarded Newman's Own Foundation Challenge Grant

Westport Country Playhouse has been awarded a $75,000 Challenge Grant from Newman's Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. In conjunction with the Playhouse's year-end fundraising appeal, Newman's Own Foundation will match all annual fund gifts up to $75,000 through December 31, 2018.

The Newman's Own Foundation Challenge Grant will help to highlight the important role of philanthropy in sustaining the non-profit theater where ticket sales account for less than half of the operating budget.

"With the support of Newman's Own Foundation, we hope to inspire our community to make a contribution before December 31, knowing their gifts will go twice as far," said Michael Barker, Playhouse managing director. "We thank Newman's Own Foundation for their long-term, sustained partnership, helping us to bring the magic of live theater to Fairfield County all year round."

Newman's Own Foundation uses all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman's Own food and beverage products for charitable purposes. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have donated over $500 million to thousands of charities around the world.

"The Westport Country Playhouse occupies a very special place in the history of American theater. We are exceptionally fortunate to have such a jewel in our community, one which continues to enrich the region's cultural life in the tradition of its own illustrious heritage," said Bob Forrester, president and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation. "I was fortunate to be among a small group of volunteers who joined with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward over a decade ago to restore the Playhouse's facilities and artistic mission back to its most highly regarded days. We are proud to continue to support this cultural and community treasure and hope others will join us."

Annual fund gifts can be made online at www.westportplayhouse.org/support, or by calling the Playhouse at 203-571-1138.

For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).