Turnage raising funds

Published 1:35 am Sunday, May 15, 2011

By Jonathan Clayborne

Washington’s Turnage Theater awaits its next show Saturday afternoon. (WDN Photo/Edwin Modlin)

With a fifth season of performances hanging in the balance, the Turnage Theaters Foundation is approaching an approximately $78,000 fundraising goal.

As of Friday, the nonprofit foundation had generated around $65,000 of the needed money, said Bob Schultz, treasurer.
“We’ve had a really good response,” Schultz said of the ongoing fundraising campaign.
The outcome of this campaign will determine whether the Turnage Theater’s doors will stay open for a fifth season.
Scotty Henley, executive director of the foundation, said it’s likely he’ll know in the next two weeks whether enough money has been raised to support a fifth season.
“I’m waiting for the ‘go’ button for me to start booking for the coming season,” said Henley, adding he’s holding dates for acts with the understanding he might not be able to book some of them.
Schultz said he’s convinced the foundation will hit its target in time to save the season.
“It’s been a challenge, but we’re getting there,” he commented.
Charles Smith, president of the foundation,  praised individuals and members of Beaufort County’s business community for the donations made so far.
“We’re pleased with what we’ve done,” Smith said. “Of course, we would like to go ahead and cross the finish line.”
Smith encouraged past donors who might not have contributed this year to date to take advantage of this giving opportunity.
He also issued a call for more support from businesses.
“I want to thank the community for how well they’re responding and encourage them to keep it up,” he said.
According to Schultz, the better way for ordinary folks to give to the Turnage is by becoming a member of the foundation.
The minimum sponsorship is $40 per person annually.
“That’s the best way for people to come and enjoy the theater and help us financially as well,” he pointed out.
A number of community organizations have banded together to help the Turnage through this process, Schultz related.
One group in Cypress Landing raised $4,200 by pulling off a fitness event with walkers and runners.
A wooden boat donated by a local resident was raffled off, resulting in $4,000 being put into the Turnage coffers.
General contributions have been measured at $5,000, with more coming in from businesses.
Sponsors, or memberships, have pumped $24,000 into the Turnage during the campaign.
The Turnage’s financial problems are multi-faceted and, in part, can be traced to the Great Recession and other economic factors, the theater’s leaders say.
It appears the theater can’t count on some of the local government support it has gotten in the past.
Faced with budget constraints, the Washington City Council seems on track to not renew a $100,000-a-year grant to the Turnage. This grant was initially authorized for five years, and that term has expired.
Schultz said he’s hopeful the council will agree to some level of financial support, even if it’s a reduced grant.
On the plus side, attendance at Turnage shows reportedly is up in response to changes in programming.
“We’ve learned a lot and Scotty’s done a heck of a job of putting together a schedule of programs this past year that for the most part have been very well attended,” Schultz said.
For more information, call the Turnage at 252-975-1711 or visit www.turnagetheater.com.

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