The RRCA raises over $65,000 to support the 18-19 season!

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The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) held a reception yesterday in Hardy Hall to announce the results of their year-end campaign. In their first attempt to launch an extraordinary matching challenge campaign, the RRCA proudly raised over $40,000! An anonymous donor will meet the $25,000 matching grant that was promised, bringing the total to over $65,000!

The RRCA campaigned to raise funds to support their 2018-2019 season to continue offering diverse and high-quality programming for its community. “It is a great start to the new year! We knew it would be hard work to launch a campaign like this, but I knew we could do it!” said the executive director, Xavier Verna. “Gifts like these are what help our mission and vision thrive in this community. Heartfelt thanks to all of our donors for having so much faith in the RRCA.”

The community came together to the special reception to celebrate the news including board members, volunteers, and donors. “Contributors have sent a clear message as to how important the Ramsdell is in people’s lives here in our community. The board is committed to using these funds wisely and will continue to guarantee quality programming, entertainment, and educational opportunities.” Added Sarah Helge, the President of the Center’s board. A portion of the donations will go toward supporting the RRCA’s endowment at the Manistee County Community Foundation. The endowment supports future interior and restoration maintenance for the historic Ramsdell Theatre. The board will decide what percentage of those funds will be by the end of the fiscal year.

Verna noted that upcoming events include the MET Opera series on Saturday, January 27 at 1 pm, with “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini and with refreshments sponsored by the Yellow Dog Café in Onekama. He added that “Tosca” promises to be an outstanding opera. The MET Opera returns on Saturday, February 10 at 1 pm (“L’elisir D’Amore” by Gaetano Donizetti) and Saturday, February 24 at 1 pm (“La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini).

On Friday, March 16, Irish Night returns to the Ramsdell, which Verna noted was exceptionally successful in 2017. Plans for the evening include food by Iron Works Café starting at 5:30 pm featuring Celtic music starting at 7 pm. Verna said over 125 attended the premiere event last year and he’s predicting another festive time this year to celebrate the Irish holiday.