Performing Arts Center Fundraising Begins Final Phase

Officials at Kent State University at Tuscarawas are looking to community members for support and participation as they begin the final phase of the Performing Arts Center capital campaign. Currently under construction, the 50,000-square-foot facility is designed to enhance the campus' academic and cultural programming, and impact economic development in the region.

"The final phase of the campaign includes our faculty-staff campaign and a general appeal to the community to join the fundraising efforts to reach our $5 million goal," said Monte Ball, director of advancement. "To date, we have raised more than $4 million, but we still need the community's support to achieve our goal. During this phase of the campaign, we will be meeting one-on-one with our neighbors, as well as utilizing telephone and mailing campaigns."

In addition to meeting current and future academic programming needs, the Performing Art Center's 1,100-seat theatre with a 50-foot-wide by 45-foot-deep stage opening will provide a state-of-the-industry venue for traveling Broadway Shows, a variety of concerts, dance productions and lectures.

"While the capital campaign has been successful to date, we need to continue that momentum to ensure we reach our $5 million campaign total," commented Dr. Gregg Andrews, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas. "Fortunately, a significant number of area corporations, organizations and individuals showed their support for the project with early and generous contributions."

Scheduled to open this fall, the center is expected to attract patrons from across the state and tourists traveling to the area. According to Andrews, "Research indicates that the economic development of the region is impacted by patrons who, in addition to attending events, spend money in our restaurants, stay in local hotels, and shop at our retail stores."

A few of the donors include AAA of Tuscarawas County, Allied Machine & Engineering Corporation, American Electric Power, Appalachian Regional Commission, Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, Dominion Foundation, First Federal Community Bank, First National Bank of Dennison, Jeanne Souers Garcia Foundation, Haman Family Foundation, Howden Buffalo, Huntington Bank, Lauren International, O'Donnell Family Foundation, Ohio Heritage Bank, Reeves Foundation, Marsh Foundation, Moomaw Foundation Trust, Rosenberry Foundation, The Timken Foundation, Tuscarawas County Community Foundation, Tuscarawas County University District Board of Trustees, Tuscarawas County University Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, Wendy's and other businesses, families and individuals.

For information about the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas or to make a donation to the project, contact Ball at 330-308-7445. Donations can be sent to the Tuscarawas County University Foundation, 330 University Dr NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

For more information on how you can take part in this campaign please e-mail Monte Ball.

For general Performing Arts Center information e-mail Mike Morelli.

For more cultural events visit our Artist Lecture Series Web page.