Performance Network Board of Directors Announces 20/10 Matching Program Through 7/31

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.

As it enters the fourth quarter of the 2010 fiscal year, The Performance Network Board of Directors seeks to leverage those individual donations - by announcing its Summer 20/10 matching challenge to raise much-needed funds toward that elusive 50%. Together with the PNT staff, it 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.

Performance Network's emergency campaign in April of 2009 pulled the theatre back from the brink of closing. Since then it has adopted numerous initiatives to maximize resources and keep the theatre open, such as its upcoming production of Sonia Flew, which will be co-produced with the Jewish Ensemble Theatre to reduce that show's costs by 25%. However, its need for contributed income from the community is ongoing.

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.

Development Associate Heather Meixler said "This challenge comes at a crucial point in our Development plan. We're coming down to the end of the fiscal year on September 30th, which is a sort of financial finish line for us. We need people to give now and give generously, so the Board is going the extra mile to make that happen. It couldn't be more timely."

Milarch reiterates that gifts of all sizes are important: "in a new age of philanthropy, important major donors are joined by smaller sized gifts in a new model of fundraising. As evidenced by several online campaigns, millions of dollars are raised through donations of $5 and $10. The secret is the number, not the size."

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Performance Network is currently celebrating its 10th season in its downtown home at 120 East Huron (Corner of Huron and Fourth). Since opening its downtown space 9 seasons ago, the company has grown into a regional leader, with a track record of winning more awards than any other theatre in the state. It has garnered national acclaim, including 3 American Theatre Critics' Association nominations and moved plays premiered in Ann Arbor to theatres nationwide, including one optioned for Broadway.

Performance Network brings joy and entertainment to 20,000 patrons each year, and its touring shows and family series light up the faces of 20,000 children. Its programs include the critically acclaimed professional series, the Fireside Festival of New Works featuring scripts in development, classes and workshops for children and teens and a late night performance series for developing artists.