Community Foundation of Middlesex County Grant Helps the Kate

L-R: Abygale Coats, CFMC Senior Coordinator, Philanthropy and Community Outreach; Clio Coles, CFMC Board of Directors; Lisa LeMonte, Kate Board Executive Vice President; Mike Maguire, Kate Board President; Brett Elliott, Kate Executive Director; Cynthia Clegg, CFMC President and CEO; Clint Reid, CFMC Board Chair; Judy Schoonmaker, CFMC Board of Directors; Thayer Talbott, CFMC Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Meghan Whelen, CFMC Board of Directors; Mary Dutton, CFMC Programs & Communications Coordinator; Jennifer Hintz, CFMC Chief Financial Officer.


OLD SAYBROOK, CT - The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, “the Kate,” recently held a ribbon-cutting with members of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County board and staff to celebrate the installation of two automatic swing doors compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project was supported, in part, by a grant from the Community Foundation.

While located in an historic building that was completed in 1911, the theater has always adhered to regulations of the ADA for performance venues. This project further improves access for patrons who use a mobility device, such as a walker, wheelchair, or rollator. An easy push-button located inside and outside of each door triggers the opening.

“With nearly 60,000 patrons attending events last year, the Kate continually reviews its overall plan for accessibility and looks for ways to mitigate any barriers,” said Brett Elliott, Executive Director of the Kate. “We are grateful for the Community Foundation’s support in helping us to complete this important project.”

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, “the Kate,” is a not-for-profit performing arts organization located in the historic theatre/town hall on Main Street in Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911, and reopened as the Kate in 2009, the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kate includes a state-of-the-art 285-seat theatre and presents work in several genres including music, theater, opera, dance, comedy, film, and a variety of children’s programing. The Katharine Hepburn Museum, the only museum of its kind honoring America’s iconic actress, is on the first floor with exhibits and costumes that reflect on her life in Connecticut and her career. For information, contact 860-510-0473 or visit thekate.org.

The mission of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County is to improve the quality of life for the people of Middlesex County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. Our interests are your interests, including animal welfare, arts and culture, health and social services, education, history, the environment, civic improvements, recreation, and economic security and opportunity. We welcome conversations with good people who want to do great things. For more information, contact us at 860.347.0025 or info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org