Building our future...one brick at a time

The Auditorium Theatre is currently immersed in one of the most ambitious and comprehensive restoration efforts ever seen in the building’s long and storied history. This massive undertaking comprises a variety of renovation initiatives including:

• Adding new and improved lighting throughout the building
• Replacing nearly 4,000 seats that comprise the Auditorium’s magnificent theatre
• Building a rehearsal space
• Re-plastering, painting and restoring the interior of the lobby to its original splendor

The extensive costs associated with these improvements create some unique challenges. Fortunately, a very dear friend to the Auditorium recently presented our theatre and our patrons with a special opportunity. His generosity is so profound that he’s willing to give $100,000 to set up a unique matching gift to assist with the operating costs and help preserve our theatre for future generations.

In other words, for every dollar given to the Auditorium Theatre as part of this challenge, one dollar will be matched from the $100,000 gift, thereby doubling the value of every donation we receive. This is truly an incredible gesture, one for which everyone at the Auditorium Theatre is immensely grateful.

If you would like to give to help support the Auditorium Theatre’s ongoing restoration and operating expenses, please contact Amanda Martinez at (312) 922-2110, ext. 368 or set up an account and give online. And please remember, any gift you can spare will double in value—and will make twice the impact on our future, and our legacy.

Guest post by Kevin Fitzpatrick, Director of Development.

Staff News: Two Staff Members Complete Courses at the Center for Nonprofit Management

On behalf of Brett Batterson and the staff here at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, I'm pleased to congratulate Director of Development Kevin Fitzpatrick and Donor Relations Manager Amanda Martinez on their successful completion of courses at the Kellogg School of Management's Center for Nonprofit Management!

As part of our commitment to education both in the community and internally amongst our staff, we sent Kevin and Amanda "back to school" to increase their understanding of current non-profit management trends and techniques. Over four weeks of classes, Kevin and Amanda took courses in fundraising, marketing, fundraising in tough economic times, and nonprofit finance.

"It was helpful t to discuss the current challenges within the nonprofit industry with our instructors and peers as well as bounce ideas off them. Also, hearing success stories from other organizations and from the Kellogg professors gave Kevin and me some great techniques we can start using right away," said Amanda.

Once again, congratulations to both Kevin and Amanda and we look forward to seeing them put what they've learned to use!

Logo credit:  Center for Nonprofit Management