TOH Gets Green Light for $7.5 Million Campaign

HISTORIC LANDMARK GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR CAMPAIGN
Study reports high likelihood of a successful $7.5 million campaign
to restore and renovate the Thomaston Opera House

THOMASTON, CT - The Friends of the Opera House hosted a presentation of its Capital Campaign Feasibility Study report to its members, and guests including The Town of Thomaston’s Opera House Commission, town officials, State legislators, and leaders of the community and regional businesses.

John Bourget and Daniel Boyer of Witan Intelligence, Inc. conducted the year-long study. They reported that with the cornerstone of a $3.5 Million grant by State of Connecticut endorsed by Rep. John Piscopo and State Senator Henri Martin, and the support of the region’s businesses and community leaders, a campaign to renovate and restore the Thomaston Opera House is likely to reach its $7.5 Million goal.

The report cited key factors behind the high degree of support including:

• Historic Significance - Respect for stewardship of its heritage and voice in our nation’s story.
• Economic Impact - Recognition of its economic value to businesses, the town and the region.
• Enhanced Lifestyle - Appreciation of its central role in the region’s arts and entertainment experience.
• Marketing Potential - Relatively low awareness in the region despite high satisfaction with the experience.
• Untapped Relationships – Several unexplored opportunities (e.g. imminent sainthood of Father McGivney).

The report recommended establishing a volunteer campaign committee, hiring a campaign director and commissioning a Strategic Marketing Plan for the Capital Campaign.

The Thomaston Opera House was built in 1884 by the family of industrialist clockmaker Seth Thomas to serve then, as it continues today as an uplifting cultural and recreational center for the town and surrounding communities. Recognized for both its heritage and its iconic Romanesque architecture, it is listed among the distinguished landmarks of the National Register of Historic Places www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister.

The Friends of the Opera House is a 501(c)3 fundraising organization dedicated to improving and restoring the Thomaston Opera House www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheThomastonOperaHouse. The Town of Thomaston owns the building and a 9-member commission oversees the Opera House’s activities. www.thomastonct.org/content/163/246/380/default.aspx. Landmark Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 organization contracted by the commission for the theater’s operation and productions www.LandmarkCommunityTheatre.org.

Witan Intelligence, Inc. of Niantic, CT is a marketing strategy and research consultancy. For over 35 years Witan has provided advice and intel to a wide variety of corporate, not-for-profit and government organizations including; Connecticut’s Office of Tourism, DOT, DEEP and a many of the State’s attractions, events and municipalities www.WitanIntelligence.com.

Any individuals, businesses or organizations interested in supporting or getting involved in the efforts are encouraged to reach out to the Friends of the Thomaston Opera House, Landmark Community Theatre or the Town of Thomaston.