Local Couple Sponsor $100,000 Challenge Grant to Enhance Programming at Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre

PRESS RELEASE
ALGONQUIN ARTS
March 2008
For More Information
Contact Patrick O’Hagan (732) 528-4335 or patrick@algonquinarts.org

Manasquan - The Executive Director of Algonquin Arts, the performing arts venue based in Manasquan, NJ, today announced the establishment of a $100,000.00 challenge grant by a local couple who have been longtime supporters of the organization.

The challenge will match dollar-for-dollar any new or increased contributions made to Algonquin Arts between now and June 30 – at a time the organization is working to enhance and expand the programming it brings to its stage.

The donors, Janice Plangere and Jules Plangere, III, of Wall Township are avid supporters of a number of local and national arts organizations and feel especially committed to ensuring the highest level of arts programming available at the Algonquin.

Ms. Plangere, a musician and former art teacher who also serves on the Board of Trustees at Algonquin Arts, believes that life-long access to the arts is essential, though often undervalued in our schools. Algonquin Arts not only offers classical, jazz and popular music, in its art deco era theatre; it also offers world-class dance programs, comedy, and classic Broadway musicals. In addition to these performances on its main stage in downtown Manasquan, Algonquin Arts brings its programming to the community through outreach programs presented in scores of schools and other facilities – from Head Start classrooms to long-term residential care facilities for patients with restricted mobility.

Ms. Plangere believes that “Algonquin Arts brings quality programs to the community in many ways. But most people don’t fully appreciate the great need for financial support to keep these programs strong and healthy. Our Challenge Grant is an effort to encourage others to recognize the great value of having this cultural treasure in our midst, and to attract new donors by offering to match their contribution, doubling the value of their support.”

O’Hagan is believes the challenge will be an effective way of attracting new donors and getting current donors to increase their level of giving. “I believe it is a great incentive to know that if I decide to give $50, $100, $1,000 or even $10,000 to Algonquin Arts, that it will automatically trigger a gift in the same amount from another donor. I applaud Janice and Jules for this very smart way of supporting our mission.”

Algonquin Arts was originally founded as a movie theatre that opened in Manasquan in 1938. By the 1990s it had turned into an abandoned building that seemed destined for the wreckers ball. But in 1991, Jack and Fran Drew and Sal and Joyce Maraziti purchased the property, and after many months of restoration and reconstruction, reopened the facility, adding live stage performances to its movie program. Since that time, the theatre has featured world-acclaimed artists from the fields of jazz, dance, classical and popular music, and musical theatre.

Ms. Plangere firmly believes that “The best days of Algonquin Arts are yet to come. I am truly impressed with Patrick’s vision for the future and his plans for helping us get there. This challenge grant is, hopefully, a significant step toward translating that vision into reality.”