Membership Drive Puts Tower in the Black

The Tower Theatre Foundation’s annual spring membership drive raised nearly $81,000 from new and renewing members, putting Bend’s most widely-used theatre on solid financial footing for the coming season.

The campaign also achieved a 7% increase in total members over last year, resulting in the second largest number of Tower members (406) since the program was started in 2006.

“The response to our email solicitations was strong,” said campaign chair Karen Cammack. “A full 33% of our memberships came online. Plus, we exceeded our goal of 40 memberships at the $250 level to meet the Hollern Challenge.”

Tower supporters Mike and Sue Hollern energized the campaign by giving $5,000 if the Foundation obtained 40 members at the $250 level. “Sixty members took advantage of this 1-for-2 challenge,” Cammack explained. “So, the Hollern’s $5,000 resulted in an additional $15,000 for the Tower.”

“Members are vital to the financial success of the Tower,” explained Kim Medford, chair of the Tower Theatre Foundation. “Annual memberships make up nearly 20% of our revenue and are crucial to ensuring high-quality theatre operations.” Referring to a recent survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, Medford added: “Only 18 percent of this country’s nonprofits are expected to break even this year. Yet, due to wide-spread support of longtime stakeholders, patrons, and members, plus outstanding leadership by the board of directors and executive director Ray Solley, the Tower Foundation has gone from a deficit of $135,000 to a small surplus of $7,000 in one fiscal year.  This, plus funds raised during last winter's Challenge Campaign, "Medford concluded, "helps to ensure the Tower will continue as Bend's premiere center for the performing arts."

Tower memberships are available year round and start at $75 per household. Memberships feature advance notice of upcoming shows, ticket discounts, and members-only receptions and events. New this year is the Marquee Club—a special package of offers and discounts from a select group of downtown merchants to Tower members of $500 or more per household. Details on membership levels and benefits are at www.TowerTheatre.org, by emailing lisa@towertheatre.org, or calling 541-317-0700.

The Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic venue in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians.

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