Fox Cities Chamber: Fox Cities PAC Announces 1:1 Gift Match To Raise $500,000 For Act 2 Fund

Press release from the Fox Cities Chamber:

August 26, 2021

APPLETON, WI (August 17, 2021) - Thanks to the generous support of community leaders Kate and Tom Burgess, Ryan and Marissa Downs, Angelo and Jennifer Ninivaggi/Plexus Corp., Kathi Seifert and Cathy Tierney/Community First Credit Union, donations to the Act 2 Fund will be matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, which will help meet the Act 2 Fund goal.

“By offering this incredible match, these community leaders hope to encourage patrons, theater enthusiasts and others to give what they can and know they are making twice the impact in supporting their beloved Fox Cities P.A.C.,” said Act 2 Fund Chair Beth Flaherty. “After a prolonged intermission, the Center is still looking to recover financially and by completing this match and raising the $500,000 needed, the organization can continue to focus on new and exciting ways for the Center’s mission to make an impact on our community.”

While the Center prepares to welcome audiences back, it continues to navigate the negative financial impact of the pandemic. With the loss of performances, events and patron services, and therefore all associated earned revenue for nearly 18 months, the Center quickly reduced expenses by $2.5 million including furloughing 84% of staff, renegotiating contracts, transitioning to remote work and more. Even with reduced expenses, making health and safety upgrades to prepare for reopening and delivering the Center’s mission virtually resulted in $5.89 million in expenses over the course of the building’s closure. Private contributions from generous businesses and individuals, and relief funding, including government funding, have helped narrow the gap, but due to the sustained financial impact of the pandemic, the Center is actively raising $500,000 toward the Act 2 Fund. With this match, the community is asked to help raise $250,000 to be matched by five generous donors to close the gap.

“The community has been so generous in supporting the Fox Cities P.A.C. through the extended intermission, allowing us to provide connection and inspiration to our community as we delivered our mission virtually,” said Fox Cities P.A.C. president and CEO Maria Van Laanen. “We are grateful for this opportunity for matching funds to help us toward our Act 2 Fund goal and continue to deliver exceptional live experiences through programs and performances that engage, educate and inspire our community.”

FINANCIAL STORY OF THE EXTENDED INTERMISSION

The Center has worked diligently to secure financial resources through federal, state and local programs including the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, two PPP loans (one of which has been forgiven), two grants from the State of Wisconsin, grant funding from Arts Midwest, the Wisconsin Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts, a grant from the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and several grants from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

In addition, individuals and businesses have supported the Act 2 Fund since it was announced in 2020. While each grant and donation has helped the Center cover necessary expenses related to virtual delivery of the mission, the community’s help is still needed to close the $500,000 gap.

financial resources virtual delivery of the mission here

This press release was produced by the Fox Cities Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.