FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2010
Capitol Theatre Center/159 S. Main St. Chambersburg, PA 17201
CONTACT: Joan Mitchell, Chair/Capitol Theatre Center Foundation
Cell: (717) 658-1328
(717) 267-1163
LONG-RANGE MILESTONE
ACHIEVED BY CAPITOL THEATRE CENTER
(Chambersburg, PA)… On January 1, 2010, a long-range vision for Capitol Theatre Center to become independent was realized. On that date the ownership and governance of the Theatre was transferred from the Theatre’s previous owner, Downtown Chambersburg Inc. [DCI], to the Capitol Theatre Center Foundation. The transfer of ownership was met with unanimous approval by the leadership of both Downtown Chambersburg Inc. and the Foundation. The Capitol Theatre Center Foundation was created in 2001 as the fundraising arm for Capitol Theatre Center with the ultimate goal to make the Theatre an independent entity.
DCI had owned the Theatre since 1996, when prior owners, Gordon and Marlene Madison, let it be known they wished to sell it and hoped that a community arts organization would take it over. When no interested parties surfaced, DCI, under the Executive Directorship of Paul Cullinane, Jr., stepped up and purchased it. DCI took this step because of the importance of the Theatre as a key element to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Chambersburg. DCI went on to acquire adjacent real estate, which allowed for the expansion of the theatre into the current Capitol Theatre Center cultural arts hub.
Joan Mitchell, current chair of the Capitol Theatre Center Foundation, will continue to lead the newly independent Capitol Theatre Center forward as it moves into the next decade. Mitchell has proactively spearheaded two successful annual giving campaigns, each raising approximately $125,000.00 to support the annual operations of the Capitol Theatre Center. In addition, through a strategic planning process with the Capitol Theatre Center Foundation Board, a revised endowment goal of $3 million was set in 2008 for the purpose of ultimately generating enough annual income to meet current basic operational needs. Current levels of fundraising, board leadership, consistent and competent staff, community involvement, strong patronage and volunteer support are all indicators of a strong future ahead for the Capitol Theatre Center. The Foundation Board is confident and enthusiastic regarding its role in achieving future success, and is grateful for the impressive levels of grassroots support the community has shown the Theatre during its first two annual giving campaigns.
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