Performance Network Extends Deadline For Summer 2010 Matching Challenge

Performance Network Theatre's Board of Directors has generously extended the 20/10 matching challenge through September 3, 2010. Now, all gifts that come in by September 3 will be matched at a rate of 50% up to $40,000.

Performance Network Theatre has received great support from the community: donations totalling more than $30,000 were made during the month of July. However, PNT still needs to raise almost $10,000 before September 3 to maximize the potential by matching every last penny and raising $60,000 by the end of the month.

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! It is great to see the community support us in this way. 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.