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It’s been over a year since Hurricane Ian destroyed our Jervey Theatre on Sept, 28, 2022. We want to keep you updated on our progress toward full recovery. What’s been happening since then? What’s still to come? The time frame? The cost?
What is insurance covering? One of the questions we hear a lot is, “Didn’t you have insurance?” I’d like to address that here. Of course, we did/do have building insurance, for the bank-appraised full value of the building, plus $1 million in business interruption insurance, for a total of $5.5 million. That was at an annual cost of just over $110,000. However, a number of factors have contributed to the vastly increased cost of the rebuild. The extent of the damage. First, we had extensive water damage on both sides of the building due to the amount of rain after the wall breach. There are currently 266 roof patches, just to allow us to use the Pinkerton Theatre on the west side of the building. We have already spent more than $3 million on repairs, including drying out the building, replacement of drywall, floor replacement, IT systems, phone and alarm systems, temporary electric runs to panels, and, of course, the roof. That’s before we started the rebuild. And we had subterranean damage: stage house foundations must be replaced.
The modern codes. We can’t replace what we had. Building and electric codes are far more strict (as they should be) than before. Besides the structure, transformers have to be moved by FPL, and the main input panel and low-voltage mains must be replaced. Some will have to be buried. Catwalks, although not damaged, must be replaced to meet modern safety codes.
Escalation and availability. A roof that cost us $225,000 in 2016 now costs $895,000 for the same roof. Building materials are still sky high and often delayed for months. 15-year-old incandescent stage lighting instruments were destroyed. While they worked before the storm, they’re not available for purchase anymore. We need to transition to full LED stage lighting, which is about 10 times the cost per instrument ($300 vs. $3000/instrument). The digital lighting instruments that we did have for the Jervey Theatre were destroyed in the storm, as well. The seats were soaked; exposure since then has made them irredeemable. New seats are now more than twice the cost than before. In negotiating this redesign, we have eliminated the frills. We have also, though, attempted to make the theatre operational and fully functional for another generation. I compare this situation to trying to buy a new car with the insurance payout on a totaled used car. It’s never enough to cover the cost of the replacement. The older the car, the larger the gap.
I hope this and the rest of the information on this page answers most of your questions. We want to keep everyone informed as we move forward.
To all who have helped us get to this point, we say a huge “thank you.” We will continue to need many things in the next months to make a full comeback. Your encouragement is vital. If you can help, please do so. We will be forever grateful.
Have a Seat!
Venice Theatre is eager to welcome back your friends and family to the state-of-the-art Jervey Theatre, with your help! Join the newly launched “Have-a-Seat” Campaign. Our new, patron-tested, comfortable chairs are perfect for transporting you into the scene.
“How do I join my neighbors in naming a seat at the Jervey Theatre?” you must be asking yourself. With just $7,500, you can join the “Have-a-Seat” Campaign and name one of our 432 seats in celebration of Venice Theatre’s 75th Diamond Season. Look to any screen in the theatres or lobbies, on our website, or on your phone to find a scrolling list of your name next to your seat.
(When making your $7,500 donation, please select “The Next Act” for how you want your gift to be used.)
If you named a seat in previous campaigns and would like to upgrade to a new seat, please email Camille Cline and let her know.
If you qualify, it may be beneficial to celebrate Venice Theatre’s 75th Diamond Season by giving $7,500 through your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution.
A note from Margo about Your IRA and Required Minimum Distribution
Venice Theatre is turning 75 this year. It is an amazing accomplishment, having grown from being the Venice “Little” Theatre, to the second-largest community theater in the United States. This has been made possible by the army of volunteers, the amazing professional staff, and the generosity of donors.
Many of our donors and patrons, like the theatre, have been lucky enough to reach their seventies and beyond. We honor and celebrate each of you. As you continue to support Venice Theatre, we would like to share with you how the theatre and you may benefit.
If you have an IRA and are at an age when you must take money out of it each year—this is called an RMD, or required minimum distribution— you may make a contribution directly from your IRA to Venice Theatre. It will count as part of your RMD and will not be taxable to you. This Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is sometimes called an IRA Charitable Rollover. Since there is no tax on the QCD, the tax savings is equal to the percentage of the marginal tax bracket you fall into. For example, if your marginal rate is 24 percent, a QCD gift of $1,000 is really costing you only $760. The limitation each year is $100,000!
Making this choice is as easy as contacting whoever holds your IRA and directing them to send the money directly to the theatre. A phone call or email is usually sufficient. They can be told to enclose a statement using your name and anyone you wish your gift to honor or remember.
Ever since the horrific damage to the theatre by Hurricane Ian, the community has been generous in their support. We have a long way to go but are confident that Venice Theatre will not only survive but will thrive for many more years.
Margo Schneeloch, Retired Enrolled Agent/Master Tax Advisor… and Venice Theatre Patron/Volunteer/Sponsor
Sponsor a Show
$20,075 Producer Level
- 75th Season ShowNotes advertisement (full, a $2,000 value) and interior listing
- 75th Season website advertisement (full, a $1,200 value)
- Curtain speech acknowledgment throughout season
- Marquee recognition throughout season
- The Joanne Bruno Lobby and Raymond Center Lobby Donor Scroll Recognition with full-year ad (a $1,200 value)
- ShowNotes, poster, website and social media recognition
- Presidents Club Membership: Pinkerton Theatre Performances Invitation to Presidents Club for complimentary beverages; invitations to special events
$10,075 Season and Media Sponsor Level
- Curtain speech acknowledgment throughout season
- Marquee recognition throughout season
- The Joanne Bruno Lobby and Raymond Center Lobby Donor Scroll Recognition
- ShowNotes, poster, website and social media recognition
- Presidents Club Membership: Pinkerton Theatre Performances Invitation to Presidents Club for complimentary beverages; invitations to special events
$5,075 Show Sponsor Level
- Curtain speech acknowledgment at every performance of that production
- 75th Season ShowNotes cover and interior listing
- Marquee recognition for two weeks prior and length of production run
- The Joanne Bruno Lobby and Raymond Center Lobby Donor Scroll Recognition
- ShowNotes, poster, website and social media recognition
- Presidents Club Membership: Pinkerton Theatre Performances Invitation to Presidents Club for complimentary beverages; invitations to special events
$2,575 Concert Sponsor Level
- Curtain speech recognition at every performance of the concert’s run
- 75th Diamond Season SHOWNOTES listing
- Donor Scroll recognition in both theatre lobbies
- Poster, web, and social media recognition
Please note:
- Sponsor tickets may be purchased at a special rate. Please contact Barbara Mullen at barbaramullen@venicetheatre.net for your special code.
- Reception rental is available in the Presidents Club based on availability.
Sponsorship interest
Join the Club
The Presidents Club is an exclusive group for Venice Theatre’s most generous supporters. Donors at the $1,000+ level get special privileges like a reception preceding select performances of our MainStage Series. These receptions take place upstairs in our Presidents Club, and include a complimentary beverage.
Venice Theatre has allowed me to expand my creativity and collaborate with so many talented people in my retirement! I have been touched to see our youngsters blossoming through our programs, and what is the purpose of a legacy if not to promote future generations? My Legacy Circle gift ensures that future generations learn to love this theatre as much as I do.
Daniel Cole, Legacy Circle member, actor, and volunteer
Wait, I can help now by helping…later?
Retired schoolteacher Dan Cole is living his best next life through Venice Theatre. He performed in Troupe in a Trunk at schools around our community and continues to give his all in a variety of roles in productions like Almost, Maine in our Jervey Theatre, God’s Country in our Pinkerton Theatre, and most recently in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville in the Raymond Center. Dan wants his future investment to make an impact now, by joining the Legacy Circle, sharing his story, and ensuring Venice Theatre is safe and secure for his former students and their families to follow.
Like Dan, Pamela Henley got involved at Venice Theatre because it’s her “second home.” An accomplished musician and piano teacher, Pamela feels lucky to serve as a Venice Theatre instructor for K-2 students. She wants children, teens, and adults to have the space they need to thrive and hopes designating Venice Theatre in her estate will help it reach that goal. . . and beyond.
Join the Legacy Circle!
Gifts by Wills and Trusts are among the easiest ways to make significant future gifts to the individuals and charity that matter most to you. Once you include a bequest provision in your will or trust for Venice Theatre, you will be welcomed to our Legacy Circle.
Our growing list of legacy members invites you to join them!
BARBARA BEHOFF, TERRY & PHYLLIS BLASER, JIM BRIGGER, KEVIN & HELEN COLLINS
KAREN CAMPBELL, DON CAVERN, DANIEL T. COLE, CARA HERMAN & CHRIS COLE
FRAN COSTA, JAMES & LYNN CRANDALL, CHRIS & DON DEAR, SUSAN FITZGERALD
MARY RAU-FOSTER & DICK FOSTER, PAMELA HENLEY, BEA HOLT, DR. WILLIAM H. JERVEY, JR.
LAURA KOPPLE, GENE & CAROL KRAUS, KATHRYN & JOE LADU, JOAN LINO & MARIA SANTAGADA
THOMAS & KATHLEEN MACDONALD, WES & YVETTE MELTZER, DENNIS & RUTHANNE NEESER
JUNE NOVAK-BOCK, NICK & NANCY OWENS, DARBY KLEIN PARK, STEVE & REDENTA PICAZIO
CAROLE RAYMOND, DOUGLAS B & MARY TAYLOR, MAGGI TAYLOR, ERIC D WATTERS
We are certain that there are more of you out there who qualify. To be included in Venice Theatre’s Legacy Circle, please contact Camille Cline at 941.867.8607.
Your Legacy Gift can make a difference
Thanks to steadfast individuals like Dan and Pamela, and families who plan ahead, your community theatre will continue to make a dramatic impact on all stages of life. From schoolchildren to older adults, everyone benefits from the generous foresight of Legacy Circle members who include Venice Theatre in their estate plans.
Your investment will have a beneficial effect on our community for years to come. Legacy giving provides everything we need to sustain the excellence you have come to expect and preserve the future of Venice Theatre. Your help now. . . will make an impact later.
Little effort required
Planned giving requires little effort. And it can be for any amount. You can include a stated dollar figure or a percentage of the estate in your will. And your gift may be limited to being given only if your estate has assets left after satisfying your other wishes regarding your heirs and other matters important to you. You do not have to write a new will or trust document. You can add Venice Theatre as one of your beneficiaries of your IRA or insurance policy, or through a codicil or trust amendment. Most bequests to Venice Theatre are not subject to federal estate tax. Remember that Venice Theatre is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal taxation. It is not a branch or agency of any government.
Join us!
Without you, we cannot make the impact we are planning. Your gift will ensure the highest quality productions, best possible education, and strongest connections for everyone. Not to mention a state-
of-the-art showplace on the Gulf Coast in the heart of the arts of Sarasota County.
It will anticipate theatre needs not yet imagined and preserve Venice’s arts-focused culture.
Our growing list of legacy members, like Pamela and Daniel, invites you to join them! You can help us continue this long standing tradition by making a provision in your will or estate plan or by designating Venice Theatre as a beneficiary of your IRA or insurance policy. Gifts by Wills and Trusts are among the easiest ways to make significant future gifts to the individuals and charities that matter most to you. Once you designate a planned gift or trust for Venice Theatre, you will be welcomed into our Legacy Circle and receive these benefits:
- Special acknowledgment on our website and in our SHOWNOTES
- Special invitations to our Education showcases
Let us know!
Please notify us of your gift by sending us a note to:
Venice Theatre
Attn: Advancement
140 Tampa Avenue W
Venice, Florida 34285.
Then we can thank you for your future gift and recognize your generosity (unless you desire to remain anonymous). Also please do not hesitate to contact us at advancement@venicetheatre.net if your attorney, estate planner or you have any questions concerning legacy gifts to Venice Theatre or about VT programs.
And please consider becoming a Presidents Club member of Venice Theatre by contacting Camille Cline at 941-867.8607 or camille@venicetheatre.net today.
CH-4124–Venice Theatre, Inc. meets all requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Acts. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.