VENICE, FLORIDA (Aug. 2, 2024) —You are aware that Venice Theatre, especially its main building, suffered devastating damage during Hurricane Ian. Since then, Venice Theatre has worked tirelessly to restore and renovate—to code—its iconic facility, with an annual economic impact of $50 million in the heart of Sarasota County. VT has also maintained most of its programming, albeit in different locations and with greatly reduced capacity and income. The restoration has moved forward steadily, with anticipated funding and completed plans to re-open by late 2025.
However, much has changed since mid-June. First, $6 million from the Office of Housing and Urban Development was denied to Venice Theatre, the largest community theatre in the State of Florida, and second largest in the nation. Venice Theatre had anticipated this funding for more than a year since the Resilient SRQ Hurricane Relief Plan was introduced. Then, promised funding from VT’s commercial lender never materialized. And last, the gubernatorial veto of arts funding from the state—funding used responsibly for more than 25 years—came as another shock. These losses will push back the anticipated date of saving the 75-year-old theatre.
With a firm $25 million campaign goal, of which nearly 40% has been raised, the remaining funds must be secured to completely restore the Jervey Theatre. Venice Theatre has already completed $5.9 million in repairs. The need is urgent. Steel beams must be raised, the roof installed, and the interior finished. Venice Theatre needs your support to complete this center of arts and education.
Venice Theatre is opening its 75th Diamond Season in just a few days. Give to our Save Venice Theatre Fund. Stand with us when we host a campus-wide Grand Opening and celebrate Venice Theatre’s next 75 years.
To donate, please click here. Questions? Contact Kristofer Geddie at kgeddie@venicetheatre.net.
About Venice Theatre:
Since its first production in 1950 in a borrowed building and no paid staff, Venice Theatre has grown to be the largest community theatre per capita in the U.S., operating with an almost four-million-dollar budget and a professional staff. Today, it continues to be at the heart of Venice’s community and a place where sensational performances and genuine connections thrive. From high-quality productions to meaningful, accessible educational opportunities, its volunteers and staff ensure that every visit is not just entertainment, but an exceptional experience.
CH-4124–Venice Theatre, Inc. (EIN 59-6005807)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.
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.
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
Please note:
I Played Mother Superior An Arts Patron Remembers Her High School Role By Elizabeth Skinner, Daughter of Polly and the late Ernie Skinner, Season Sponsors When Venice Theatre’s Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush asked me if I would read Agnes of God because he was considering it for the 75th Diamond Anniversary Season’s lineup and … Continued
Start at the Beginning Building a Legacy of Art and Education at Venice Theatre By Patty Fjetland and Linda Newton The Torch Bearers Sponsors “I have struggled so long to inaugurate a Little Theatre Movement in this community, that I have intuitively anticipated the occurrence of some obstacle to thwart me; so that, when the … Continued
A Long Time Coming Christie’s Legacy and Venice Theatre’s Future By Paul and Diane Cline Mousetrap Sponsors “The only people who really know what other people are like are artists…” ~ Christopher in The Mousetrap It was June 1976. Our family had travelled to London to visit Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England for a month. … Continued
The Ultimate Theatre Building a Foundation for the Future By Ed and Carolyn Boudreaux My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Sponsors “Well, as Mr. Sinatra would say ‘Stick around, Jack,’ here are a few songs from the silver screen and Frank’s favorite street of dreams…Broadway.” ~ From My Way, A Musical Tribute to … Continued
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.