This Grand Is Your Grand… And Always Has Been.
Photo by Billy Brehm
The story of The Grand, our art-deco luminous theatre constructed out of the ashes in 1938 by the City of Ellsworth, is a story carried by everyone in Hancock County. Those who appeared on our stage as children now send their grandchildren to Summer Theatre Camp. The small-town Brooklin musician who got his start on The Grand stage now tours the nation. The girl who took the bus from Deer Isle to see the Nutcracker with her school mates now runs The Grand’s education program. The folks who moved to Maine from Baltimore volunteer at the simulcasts from New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
Every year we reach out to you for support to our annual budget because without you, there is no Grand. And without The Grand … well, consider this region empty of an historic cultural landmark, where the nearest live music is 35 miles away, where downtown businesses close due to lack of customers, where residents no longer cross paths and share with friends an event that connects us to each other, to the world at large, to art as it is created.
Our Primary Goals
The Grand strives to fulfill its role as our community’s performing arts and education center. It is our promise ….
- To deepen audience and community engagement
- To build a financially sustainable organization
- To strengthen key partnerships and develop new mutually-beneficial relationships
- To further enhance and extend the reputation of the theatre
- To increase our educational offerings and outreach for all ages
- To continuously improve theatre management operations
- To honor the theater’s unique historical significance by preserving its architectural integrity
Our Challenge
As an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) cultural organization, The Grand requires private funds to sustain a spectacular array of artistic and public service programs, as well as the capital improvements necessary to
restore this historic landmark and to enhance your theatre experience. Revenues from programming and concessions cover only forty percent of our operating budget – and this doesn’t include facilities projects. We
depend on community members like you to keep our doors open.
Our Needs
We are indebted to those of you who have been part of our growth since The Grand’s beginning, and we are working to continue to expand the number of donors and advocates to maintain the quality programming that you enjoy. In supporting The Grand, you make a tangible expression of dedication to our mission.
Our goal is to raise $30,000 through this appeal. We invite you to send us a gift this year, no matter the size, to assist us in providing funds to address our most critical needs:
- Replacing sound speakers and enhancing our sound for film & live theatre
- Continuing in our restoration projects for facade improvements
- Enhancing the theatre experience for performers backstage
- Creating more lobby space through redesign of our concessions area
- Installing lighting and exit hardware for safety
“The Grand is the heart of the arts in Hancock County. I’ve had the best time there more times than I can count. How many of us haven’t? Supporting the Grand, being a part of its sustenance and growth, is a great joy.” ~ Mary Offutt, Grand Supporter, Little Deer Isle
Recent Accomplishments in 2010
With your help, we’re making progress. Most recently, as part of our strategic planning, we’re meeting our goals. On a short list, we’ve …
- Restored our historic glass tower to its original glory
- Welcomed 110 new members… and counting
- Purchased Gallery Grand for long-term planning and Main Street enhancement
- Increased our educational enrollments by 20%
- Installed a new security system
- Installed a new furnace
- Developed a friendly and up-to-date web site for our current and prospective patrons
This is your opportunity to make this Grand your Grand in 2010
As we enter one of the most exciting chapters of our future, we now ask fo your support for our annual budget. Your pledge or gift will assure our ability to continue to engage the community through programs that connect people to the arts, to each other, and to the human spirit of creativity.
“For over 35 years friends of The Grand have enriched the lives of its audiences and patrons with their support. Giving really feels good.” ~ Bob Marville, Grand Supporter, Blue Hill
What’s next for The Grand?
We look forward to bringing you fresh, new entertainment that connects us to the best of local and world-renown artists; The Camden Conference simulcast in February; The Graskels next summer; Poetry Out Loud this spring; Free movies; Community events …. everything that accomplishes our mission of celebrating the arts through quality programs that recognize the diversity and uniqueness of the people in Downeast Maine. All with your thoughtful contribution.
Thank you for your consideration of this request for support. A return envelope is enclosed for your generous gift.
Sincerely,
Zoe Alexis Scott,
Executive Director
Charles Alexander
President, Board of Directors
For membership levels above $500 or for more information,
please contact Zoe Alexis Scott, Executive Director, 667-5911 or email.
The Grand is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Your membership donation is fully tax deductible.
Great volunteers make the year-round operation of the Grand possible. As a volunteer-based, charitable non-profit organization, we depend on the generosity of our volunteers. We hope you’ll join our team of hard-working, problem-solving theatre arts lovers dedicated to helping our patrons and guests have the best theatre-going experience possible.
If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact our box office manager and volunteer coordinator, Kim Fitch.
