Garden Theatre, Inc Created To Operate Garden Theatre

Actions by both the Winter Garden City Commission and board of directors of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation have led to the creation of Garden Theatre, Inc., a new independent entity that will operate downtown Winter Garden's historic Garden Theatre. City commissioners decided last night to accept the business plan submitted by the Garden Theatre's board; and to endorse the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation's desire to spin-off operation of the theatre under a separate organization.

Prior to last night's action, Garden Theatre operations were overseen by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation under a lease agreement with the city. The new arrangement will transfer operation of the Garden Theatre to an independent organization. The newly-created Garden Theatre, Inc. will pursue its own 501(c)3 tax-exempt designation, and will operate separately from the Heritage Museum, Family History Center, Railroad Museum (in conjunction with the Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society) and MusicFest, which remain under management of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.

"Our desire is to implement the approach that provides the greatest opportunity for the continued success and growth of this great community resource," said Ron Sikes, chairman of the board of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. "The Garden Theatre has become exactly what we hoped it would be - an arts and cultural center for Central Florida. The entrustment of operations to the singularly-focused and committed group of individuals who have handled much of the day-to-day operations for the last two-and-a-half years further promotes that success. At the same time, it facilitates the continuing mission of the Heritage Foundation to focus on preservation and presentment of items of historic significance and the story of the people that have made and make West Orange County such a great place to live."

"The restoration and grand re-opening of the Garden Theatre was done by many with this kind of milestone moment in mind - seeing the Garden Theatre as its own contributor to Winter Garden's cultural relevance and economic importance to the Central Florida region," said Becky Roper Stafford, board chair of the new Garden Theatre, Inc. "The years of development under the watchful eye of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has established a firm operational footing upon which the new entity can grow. We look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial working relationship with the City of Winter Garden, Orange County and the thousands of local patrons who enjoy the exciting entertainment offered in the Garden Theatre."

"The Heritage Foundation fulfilled its vision of bringing life back to the Garden Theatre, a cornerstone of Winter Garden's renaissance," said Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer. "They are now handing over the reins to Garden Theatre, Inc., and I am confident they will build upon this success and lead the Garden Theatre to even greater heights. We are truly blessed to have so many dedicated volunteers working so hard to make Winter Garden the great City it is."

Winter Garden City Commissioners recently approved an asset transaction which added the Garden Theatre building to its portfolio of municipally-owned structures and provided a debt-free platform from which the theatre would operate. The City Commission will now complete a new multi-year operating agreement for the theatre property with the new Garden Theatre, Inc.

ABOUT THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation (www.wghf.org) was formed in 1993 and proudly preserves and presents the history of West Orange County including the communities of Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Killarney, Oakland, Ocoee, Tildenville, Windermere and Winter Garden. It is a dynamic 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that includes the operation of the Heritage Museum, Railroad Museum, History Center and the Garden Theatre. It also produces the annual Winter Garden MusicFest, now in its fifth year of operation and scheduled for October 1 through 3, 2010.

ABOUT THE GARDEN THEATRE

Located in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden on Plant Street, the Garden Theatre offers a cultural theatric experience unique to West Orange County and the citizens of Winter Garden. The restoration project, which began in 2003, showcases an atmospheric theatre in a Mediterranean Revival style venue. The former single-screen movie theatre hosts live theatre productions, dance and music, cinema viewings, various community events and educational programs. For tickets or additional information, contact the Garden Theatre Box Office at (407) 877-GRDN (4736) or www.gardentheatre.org. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Garden Theatre Box Office, 160 West Plant Street. Box office hours are Wednesday through Saturday, Noon - 5 p.m.; and two hours before show times.

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