Performance Network Announces Progress To Summer 20/10 Matching Challenge Goal

Performance Network Theatre has received great support from the community: donations totalling more than $22,000 have come in within the past two weeks towards its 20/10 matching challenge. However, PNT still needs to raise $18,000 before July 31 to maximize the matching funds potential.

The PNT Board of Directors with the staff, has assembled a matching fund of $20,000 and now through July 31st, for every $20 donated it will match $10 - a 50% match, up to $40,000. Its goal - to match every last penny and raise $60,000 by the end of the month, while raising awareness about the ongoing financial needs of the organization.

Development Associate Heather Meixler said "I really want to thank people for their gifts so far. We are seeing a lot of new donors give small gifts - and it really adds up! We are a little more than halfway to our goal with ten days remaining in the challenge. If you haven't given to PNT, now is the time to do so."

For a non-profit arts organization, sustaining operations can be a tricky business. Ticket sales only cover a portion of the operating costs, about 50% each year. For most organizations, like Ann Arbor's Performance Network, the other half comes from a variety of funding sources, with individual donations playing a prominent role.

Executive Director Carla Milarch said "Ticket sales pay for the shows; the actors, directors, costumes, etc. but that leaves about $400,000 each year that we still need to raise to keep the building open, pay staff salaries, and keep the lights on. I often tell people that the tickets pay for the shows, but their donations pay for the institution itself."

The theatre's fiscal year closes on September 30th, when it must have the funds secured to produce its upcoming season and navigate another difficult year in the Michigan economy. PNT is currently accepting donations of any size over the phone at (734) 663-0681 and on the website at: www.performancenetwork.org.