Entertainment

Stage presents: Settlers Bank makes $500,000 investment in Peoples Bank Theatre 

Settlers Bank makes $500,000 investment in Peoples Bank Theatre 

MARIETTA -- During Peoples Bank Theatre's 10-year anniversary open house Sunday, Settlers Bank announced it is making a $500,000 investment in the future of the theatre.

According to Peoples Bank, the gift is a "transformational commitment designed to strengthen the historic venue today and help ensure its sustainability for generations to come." 

The commitment includes an initial $250,000 gift to Peoples Bank Theatre and an additional $250,000 investment in the Theatre's endowment through the new Settlers Bank Today + Tomorrow Challenge. 

Theatre officials said the investment continues a relationship that has been part of its story since its earliest days and now helps secure the next chapter. 

"Settlers Bank has been part of the Peoples Bank Theatre story from the very beginning, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued confidence in our Theatre and its future," said Wendy Brewer, executive Director of Peoples Bank Theatre. "As we celebrate ten years since our grand reopening, this generous commitment ensures that the story we began together will continue for generations to come. Settlers is not only celebrating what this community has accomplished--they are helping build a permanent financial foundation that will sustain the Theatre for decades to come." 

Through the Settlers Bank Today + Tomorrow Challenge, every dollar contributed to Peoples Bank Theatre's annual fund -- up to $50,000 per year for five years --will unlock an equal contribution from Settlers Bank to the Theatre's endowment, according to a news release from the theatre. 

For example, a $500 annual fund gift supports performances, programs, preservation and operations today "while unlocking a $500 investment from Settlers Bank into the Theatre's endowment for tomorrow."

Settlers Bank's total commitment has the potential to inspire a total impact of $750,000 for the organization, according to the news release.

The challenge is meant to address two essential components of a healthy nonprofit performing arts organization: Annual fund contributions provide resources needed now to present exceptional artists, offer community and educational programming, preserve the historic Theatre, develop audiences and support successful operations. Meanwhile, endowment investments build permanent financial strength, providing a foundation that will help protect the Theatre and its mission through changing economic conditions and for future generations, according to the news release. 

"Ten years ago, our community gave Peoples Bank Theatre a new beginning. As we celebrate this milestone, Settlers Bank is proud to invest in making sure its future is just as bright," said Donn Schafer, president and CEO of Settlers Bank. "Every dollar of our Today + Tomorrow Challenge commitment will be invested in the Theatre's endowment, creating lasting financial strength for generations to come. We hope this challenge inspires the community to join us in supporting the Theatre today while, together, we build its future." 

Sunday's anniversary celebration also recognized Settlers Bank's support of Peoples Bank Theatre's new History Wall, which will preserve and share the story of the historic venue, its restoration and the people whose vision and determination brought the Theatre back to life, the news release said. 

Now that the first $50,000 annual challenge has begun, individuals, businesses and community partners are able to make annual fund contributions and help unlock Settlers Bank's full investment in the Theatre's endowment, according to the news release. More information on the campaign and giving is available here: https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/settlers-challenge/.