Minot State announces $500,000 gift from Minot Area Community Foundation to Summer Theatre project
MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University Development Foundation and Minot State Summer Theatre announced a $500,000 gift from the Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) to support the Summer Theatre renovation project.
“The Minot Area Community Foundation has played a tremendous role in improving the quality of life in our region for the past two decades,” said Minot State President Steven Shirley. “MSU Summer Theatre is a terrific quality of life asset in Minot, and we are most appreciative of MACF for their $500,000 gift today — it is a major boost to this campaign and will help ensure success as we enter the homestretch of our Summer Theatre fundraising efforts.”
The $500,000 gift will create a pool of matching funds providing donors the opportunity to double their impact with a one-to-one match. The funds will be accessed once $500,000 in private gifts are secured.
“This is an exciting announcement,” said Rick Hedberg, MSU Development Foundation executive director. “These funds will be leveraged to bring in an additional $1 million to support the Summer Theatre renovation project. This is a matching fund, so we have to get out and raise some additional money, but we have the plan in place to do so.”
Updates to the iconic amphitheater on the north end of the University include the complete relocation of the main restrooms from the upper level to the lower/ground level of the complex providing additional accommodations and increased physical accessibility for patrons. The concession stand will also be relocated to the ground level, which will take on a plaza-like appearance. Enhancement and expansion of the cast dressing rooms and the box office/ticketing area are being planned, along with the addition of a canopy covering the center stage. Improved overall landscaping and other improvements to the facility will enhance the aesthetics, comfort, and conveniences for the audience.
Donors to the renovation project will be identified on a permanent recognition board that will be prominently displayed at the amphitheater.
“When we bring new people to tour Summer Theatre, the first thing we show them is the stage and they look out at the great space and the audience and this an intimate outdoor theater. They are blown away with it,” said Chad Gifford, MSU Summer Theatre artistic director. “Then we show them the backstage and the terrible dressing rooms and bathrooms. I’m really excited to see what things are going to be like — excited for the possibilities for the people who spend 18-hour days here.”
The Minot Area Community Foundation is celebrating 20 years in 2020. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public charity in 2000, MACF has grown into one of the leading funding sources of area nonprofit organizations, giving back more than $17.7 million to the community. MACF has actively sought projects that improve the community and the quality of life including partnering with Minot State for the UNITY Project and the Air-Supported Dome at Herb Parker Stadium.
“This is an exciting day for MSU Summer Theatre and for the City of Minot,” Jason Zimmerman, MACF president, said. “To date, this grant is equal to the second largest gift given in the history of the Minot Area Community Foundation. I couldn’t be more proud.”
The project is consistent with the overall vision for Summer Theatre, which is “to create a thriving, vibrant community by providing a safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes and supports the performing arts, while enhancing the quality of life for our patrons.”
For more information on ways to donate to the MSU Summer Theatre renovation project, contact the Minot State Development Foundation at 701-858-3890 / 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3890 or online at MSUSummerTheatre.com.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 07/08/20 |
