Looking to strengthen relevancy among audiences of today and with a vision for the demands of future trends, the Capitol Civic Centre has embarked on a campaign to raise $2.5 million. The project scope will address significant improvements including new house seating, additional restrooms, an expanded lobby, and improvements to enhance customer experience. Additionally, necessary infrastructure improvements will be addressed.
Campaign co-chair Tim Salutz stated, “We are pleased to officially announce that the West Foundation has made a significant lead gift that will continue the vision for the future of the Capitol Civic Centre. The Foundation’s lead gift continues their tradition of lead gifts that were made also to the 1987 and 2012-13 campaigns.”
Co-chair Ann Salutz, continued, “We accomplished much in 2013, but knew from the start of that campaign that there was much more to be done to make the Capitol more user-friendly for our patrons, and a better all-around venue for the next generation and our community.”
Reaction to the official announcement has been exceptional. Co-chair Brennan Seehafer shared enthusiasm for the projects, “Everyone we’ve shared the plans with has been excited for this second phase of improvements. From the permanent bar and improved concessions, to enhanced lobby space and flow, and opportunities realized by expanding to the second floor for an additional suite of restrooms and more… our vision has been received with enthusiasm and support.” Ann Salutz added, “And new seats!” The finale of the Act Two projects is beautiful new theatre seating. The new seats will be wider, comfortable, and the layout provides far more legroom on the main floor.
The extensive renovation, as presented by this vision, requires widespread and generous support, and the Capitol campaign team is optimistic about the results. Tom Angst, co-chair, reports, “We are so grateful and pleased to announce that we’re presently more than half way to our $2.5 million goal from pledges made during this first phase of the Act Two campaign.” Co-chair Julia Angst added, “We are still meeting with interested individuals and businesses about support. The momentum continues to build.”
Matthew Schliesman, Executive Director, extends sincere appreciation to those who have committed support so far, getting the ball rolling, and to those who will be joining the Act Two vision of the future to ensure we get the job done. He shared, “There is much enthusiasm for these projects in the community, with key individuals, companies, and foundations recognizing the need and responding to the vision during this early part of the campaign. We still have quite a ways to go, however, the next phase the journey — to the finish line — is the most difficult part of fundraising.”
Campaign pledge collateral provides an outline of the vision for improvement: ‘Thank you for contributing to new, roomier, more comfortable seating. You are helping to make experiencing performances more enjoyable. Thank you for donating to renovated lobbies. The expanded spaces will accommodate open areas providing multiple services including concessions, restrooms, ticket office, coat check, and receptions. Thank you for giving to improved restroom accommodations. Facilities will be located on two floors; lines will be shortened or eliminated.’ Campaign Associate Administrator Peggy Pitz added, “We chose this copy because it truly is a great sound bite for what we are doing and why. Made possible with your support, it describes the future for this essential community asset.”
Acknowledging the value of this project to the community in general and the major investment happening in Manitowoc’s downtown specifically, on May 23 the Room Tax Commission of the City of Manitowoc approved $100,000 in support of the Capitol Civic Centre’s Act Two improvements. Per Mayor Justin Nickels, “The Capitol is an integral part of our downtown and I am personally excited for the new upgrades that are coming to our jewel on the lakeshore. I believe this financial commitment from the city shows the city’s commitment to a greater downtown and to the excitement the Capitol Civic Centre brings to it.”
A Strong Team with a Shared Vision: Driven by the five campaign chairs and community leaders, as well as Schliesman and Pitz from the Capitol staff, it’s clear to see why the campaign has already hit $1.57 million in confirmed pledges. The campaign team believes the $2.5 million goal is a solid investment in the future of both the Capitol and Manitowoc’s downtown, and will benefit the community for decades to come. Essential to the effort is the additional support of the Capitol Board of Directors, including President Joe DiRaimondo and campaign projects chair John Stern. In reference to the campaign, DiRaimondo responded, “Not all communities our size are blessed with such a treasure which enriches all who live here. The Act Two campaign will further improve and maintain this beautiful treasure for future generations.” Stern continued, “My wife and I attend theatre and music performances at a variety of venues across the country. I’m so glad for the opportunity to share my expertise in project planning.”
In addition to aforementioned campaign leadership, there are many others on the team, working closely to share and endorse the campaign vision. Campaign Honorary Co-chairs are: Bill Censky, Joe DiRaimondo, Paula Fox, and John Jagemann. The Campaign Cabinet, representing the Act Two vision and playing a key role in securing the fundraising support needed, includes: Peter Allie, Dana Braun, Candice Giesen, Samantha Grage, Vicki Grimstad, Mark Klaiber, Christine D. Kornely, Dan McGinty, Mark Maurer, Jeremiah and Rebecca Novak, John L. “Jack” Sadowski, Mark Seehafer, Vickie Seehafer, John Stern, Dennis Tienor, and Steve and Marilyn Wronkowski. The campaign endorsement council is: Kay Dewane, Anton and Michelle Doneff, Ray Luisier, Justin Nickels, Jim and Molly Peterson, Tim Schneider, Glen Tellock, and Chuck Webster.
In November of last year, the 2017-18 Capitol Civic Centre Board of Directors unanimously voted in 2017 to approve the campaign projects and goals. Additionally, they have supported the campaign with 100 percent participation in campaign pledges. The Board of Directors includes: Joe DiRaimondo, President; Keith Shaw, Vice President; Jean Hansen, Treasurer; Vicki Grimstad, Secretary; Tom Angst, Jane Curran-Meuli, Michelle Doneff, Dean Dvorak, Amy Fricke-Weigel, Diane M. Hansen, Mark Klaiber (ex officio), Lauretta Krcma-Olson, Mark C. Maurer, Peggy W. Pitz, John Rusiniak, Tim Salutz, Kevin Schmidt, Brennan Seehafer, and John Stern.
To learn more about the Capitol’s “Act Two” projects, or to arrange a campaign presentation for your family, business, or organization, please contact Schliesman, matts@cccshows.org or (920) 686-6424, or Pitz, peggyp@cccshows.org or (920) 686-6423.