Ways to Give

PARAMOUNT THEATRE RECEIVES ITS LARGEST-EVER GRANT, $2.5 MILLION, TO LAUNCH ACT 2 CAMPAIGN

JANUARY 25, 2018

Aurora’s Paramount Theatre announced it has been awarded its largest grant ever – a $2.5 million donation from the Dunham Fund.

The Dunham Fund’s lead grant toward the $4.5 million goal of the Act 2 Capital Campaign will support three major areas of expansion and improvement:

1. SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Creation of the new Paramount School of the Arts in downtown Aurora in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, currently under construction at the intersection of Galena Boulevard and Stolp Avenue, directly adjacent to the Paramount. Slated to open in 2019, the Paramount School of the Arts will encourage and train young actors, dancers and musicians for a culture-filled life, nurture the arts in Chicago’s western suburbs and add to the excitement, cultural and economic activity in Aurora’s downtown business district.

2. REPLACEMENT OF PARAMOUNT SEATS

The replacement of every Paramount Theatre seat through a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. All 1,888 original seats have served more than eight million visitors since the Paramount Theatre opened in 1931. Installation of the seats will began summer 2018 with completion summer 2019. Audiences will enjoy all new, larger and more comfortable seats thanks to the Dunham Fund’s matching grant.

3. COPLEY THEATRE MODERNIZATION

Modernization of the Paramount’s 173-seat sister stage, Copley Theatre, located in the North Island Center directly across the street from Paramount. Act 2 Capital Campaign funds will support much-needed upgrades and improvements in the Copley, built in 1981, including replacement of carpeting and seats, updating technical equipment, expanded restrooms, new heating and air conditioning systems and remodeled backstage and dressing areas. These improvements will boost cultural and economic activity even further in downtown Aurora, making the space suitable for smaller shows, as well as a debut venue for a new works program at the Paramount.

Donate to Act 2 Campaign

Press Links

• ABC7 CHICAGO
• DAILY HERALD
• CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
• AURORA BEACON NEWS
• CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
• NCTV17
• AURORA DOWNTOWN
  

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ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!

The brand new Paramount School of the Arts is opening June 1, 2019! The school will encourage and train young actors and musicians for a culture-filled life, further nurture the arts in our community and add to the excitement and activity in Aurora’s downtown.

Education in the arts is an integral part of self-development. The arts are what make us most human, teaching us empathy, communication, expression, community and so much more. Paramount School of the Arts is a safe place for students to take risks, learn perseverance and dream big.

Donations are vital to funding the school to ensure that we continue to help form future generations of broad-minded, creative individuals.

When you support the Paramount School of the Arts General Fund, you become our partner in helping us bring the best arts education to our students.

school of the arts general fund supports:

• Master Classes featuring the best professional in their fields
• Theater for Young Audiences touring program for area schools
• School Residencies
• Pre-Show and Post-Show Discussions
• Free Community Events
• Equipment for our students and teachers
• So much more!

WANT TO DONATE? CHOOSE ONE OF THESE DONATION OPTIONS:

Scholarships General Fund

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

Give a truly unique gift by naming a private classroom for a loved one, or the Resource Center for your entire family, and become a permanent part of Paramount School of the Arts!

• Private Lesson Classrooms
• Resource Center
• Group Classroom
• Parent Lounge

Naming opportunities are limited and reserved on a first-come, first serve basis.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON NAMING OPPORTUNITIES:

Please contact Michele Bergeron at micheleb@paramountarts.com or 630-723-2495.

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

GIVING LEVELS

Donate Today

FRIEND $125-$249

• Recognition in Playbill for one year

CONTRIBUTOR $250-$499

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year

PREMIERE SOCIETY

SUPPORTING ROLE $500-$999

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year
• Name on Premiere Society Wall for one year
• Invitation to Premiere Society Events

LEADING ROLE $1,000-$2,499

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year
• Name on Premiere Society Wall for one year
• Invitation to Premiere Society Events
• Invitation to Premiere Society Dinner

DIRECTOR $2,500-$4,999

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year
• Name on Premiere Society Wall for one year
• Invitation to Premiere Society Events
• Invitation to Premiere Society Dinner
• Invitation for two for Broadway press openings

PRODUCER $5,000-$9,999

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year
• Name on Premiere Society Wall for one year
• Invitation to Premiere Society Events
• Invitation to Premiere Society Dinner
• Invitation for two for Broadway press openings
• Two complimentary tickets to Season Kick-off Party

BENEFACTOR $10,000+

• Recognition in Playbill & on the Paramount Theatre website for one year
• Name on Premiere Society Wall for one year
• Invitation to Premiere Society Events
• Invitation to Premiere Society Dinner
• Invitation for two for Broadway press openings
• Two complimentary tickets to the Spring Gala

Dreams Do Come True

IMPACTING THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN… DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

The Dreams Do Come True program is funded solely through the generosity of our donors and allows children and families from economically challenged situations to see a live show at the theatre for free.

A donation of $8 sends one underprivileged child to see a live performance at the theatre. Thanks to the Paramount’s dreamers, the Dreams Do Come True program was able to invite over 3,500 children and families to see our Broadway performances last year.

Donate Today

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Our sponsors play a crucial role in maintaining the high quality of Paramount productions and preserving the beauty of the theatre itself. We value our sponsors highly and offer a number of benefits in return!

BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

• BRAND RECOGNITION Logo presence in Paramount Materials
• BRAND EXPOSURE Logo presence to a wide demographic of Paramount patrons from several regions
• PRINT ADVERTISING Logo presence on print advertising done for sponsored show
• FLYERS & POSTCARDS Logo presence on flyers and postcards for sponsored show
• SPONSOR DISPLAY Logo presence on prominent sponsor display in lobby for one year
• SIGNAGE Company name included on all visible signage in the lobby for sponsored show
• ANNOUNCEMENT On-stage acknowledgement prior to sponsored show
• PREMIERE SOCIETY Prominent Premiere Society signage in lobby for one year
• INDOOR EXHIBITION SPACE Allows sponsors to have the opportunity to reach and speak to the entire audience
• MARQUEE Company name displayed on Paramount Marquee during sponsored show (dependent on level of sponsorship)
• TICKETS Complimentary tickets to sponsored shows (number of tickets dependent on level of sponsorship)
• MEET & GREETS First opportunity for approved Meet and Greet with performer (dependent on availability)

SPONSOR A SHOW

Sponsorship opportunities are limited and reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. To sponsor a show, please contact Mandy Stevenson at 630.723.2495 or mandys@paramountarts.com

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE WITH US

Always wanted to see Broadway shows and tour New York City, but you’re not sure where to start? Then the Paramount Broadway New York trip is just the ticket for you! Join us as we see three of NY’s hottest Broadway shows, dine at some of the best restaurants in town and tour the most cultural places NY has to offer. We’ll knock your socks off as we use our NY connections for some extra special treats! This unforgettable experience includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations at the beautiful Westin in Times Square, dinner every night, Broadway theater tickets, sightseeing, tours and more!

LET US MAKE ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS AND BE YOUR HOST!

TRIP DATES

• May 15-18, 2020 –sold out!
• June 12-15, 2020 –sold out!
• September 11-14, 2020 –sold out!
• JUST ADDED! October 23-26, 2020 –sold out!

Join waiting list by emailing beths@paramountarts.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Cost: $2300/person for double occupancy or $2800/person for single occupancy.
• Deposit: $500/person is required to hold your spot-NON REFUNDABLE

(Remaining balance is due 2 months prior to departure.)

This is a fundraiser for Paramount Theatre, which is a 501 C(3) nonprofit corporation. After all trip expenses are paid by Paramount Theatre, the remaining portion becomes your tax deductible donation. You will receive a letter thanking you for your donation after your trip.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• AIRFARE – Round trip airfare non-stop
• TRANSPORTATION – Group transportation between Airport & hotel
• HOTEL STAY – Three night’s stay at Times Square Westin Hotel
• 3 BROADWAY SHOWS – Three Broadway shows (Shows are not picked until 60 days prior to the trip. With the help of our experts at Paramount Theatre and many contacts in NYC, we give you a true NYC Broadway experience!)
• DINNER EVERY NIGHT – Group dinner all three evenings at highly sought after Times Square restaurants.
• 911 Walking tour – Walk and remember with a tour guide the rich history and iconic local landmarks related to September 11th. Tour ends outside of 911 Memorial Museum. Already been on this tour? No problem, your tour guide will work with you to arrange another touring experience!

CONTACT

Beth Sullivan, NYC Broadway Tour Guide, at 630-896-1788 or beths@paramountarts.com

A PORTION OF THE NY TRIP COST IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Thank you to all of our AMAZING donors!

Last year, more than 1.5 million dollars was given in support of the Paramount’s mission.

 

BENEFACTOR
$10,000 or more

BMO Harris Bank
John & Erin Bryan
Carson Family Foundation
ComEd Exelon Company
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Dunham Fund
Thomas & Joyce Fisher
Illinois Arts Council
Jake’s Inc.
Terence Kothe
McKee Family Fund
Old Second National Bank
Paramount Arts Centre Endowment
James D. Pearson Family
Rush Copley Medical Center
SENDing Support Foundation
Twelve Twenty-One Fund

PRODUCER
$5,000 – $9,999

Mike & Jan Baum
Dan Deufel
Daniel D. Dolan Family Advisory Endowment Fund
Monica Donath
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Bruce & Linda Grider
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Jonathan & Amber Hylton
Illinois Public Risk Fund
Gerald & Mary Ellen Palmer
John & Jean Savage
Schmitt McDonald’s Corporation
Robert Sherry
Brian & Michelle Smith
Frank & Char Voris
James & Pamela Wyman

DIRECTOR
$2,500 – $4,999

Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.
DuPage Community Foundation
The Ecolab Foundation
Scott & Jane Glor
Jean M. Hawkinson
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora-Naperville
HUB International
Pamela Jackson
Kiwanis Club of Aurora & Kim Groom, 2019 President
Gary & Judy McCann
Douglas & Stacey Meyer
Rosemary Murray
Dr. Eric Nolan & Mike Finan
Tim & Bridgette Rater
Terry & Valerie Reynolds
Dale & Sarah Richardson
Steven & Jacqueline Risch
Theatrical Stage Employees Union Local Two
Mark & Pam Truemper
Ralph & Linda Voris

LEADING ROLE
$1,000 – $2,499

William Airey
Katherine Balek
Diane Barrowman
William & Margaret Benoit
James & Susan Bergeron
Lynn Bohmer
Bob & Julie Bowen
Betty & Don Brownson
Mark & Donna Cantalupo
Dennis & Janet Collins
Gary & June Ann Cooney
Rodney Crossland
Nadine Dillon
Lorraine & Peter Dirks
Roy & Rachel Downing
Richard & Ruth Edelman
Art & Laurie Erdmann
Coleen Feece
John & Karen Finnerty
Hugh & Sandra Flanders
Russell & Judy Flores
Craig & Annette Frier
Christopher & Dorothy Gaines
John & Theresa Gaudio
Hon. Peter & Susan Grometer
Hampton Inn & Suites
Robert Harding
Jack & Diane Hienton
Linda Hirt
Mark & Suzanne Hosticka
Joe Jesensky
Toni Johnson
Yvonne Johnson
John & Patricia Kella
Janet & Stephen Kenyon
Bill & Laura Klish
Cynthia Latimer
Paul & Sherry Loewe
Kathleen Mackie
Mike & Vicki McCoy
John & Gwen McKee
Douglas & Karla Megow
Chris & Erika Miller
Judy Miller
Robert H. & Judith Miller
Edward & Laura Neal
Kevin & Mary O’Connor
Philip & Ann Ramirez-Peduzzi
Kristi Ream-Hoerres
Benjamin & Cheryl Reyes
Michele Savage
Ingrid Scheckel
Georgia Stanley
Jean & Joseph Stubits
Amy Sullivan
Thomas & Valerie Ulett
Donna Vegter
Michael & MaryJo Vetter
Wadsworth Family Cultural Arts Endowment Fund
Marilyn Weisner
In Memory of Tom Weisner
Norm & Patricia Welker

SUPPORTING ROLE
$500 – $999

AmazonSmile Foundation
Anonymous
Shirley Avery
Tom & Ruth Bastian
Linda Battsq
Jim Becker
The Bellafiore Family- V.J., Angie, Ava & Jayme
Karen Bennett
Michele Bergeron & James Brown
Lee Bradley
Aaliyah Brossett
Paul & Paula Buddy
Denise Buti
Cathleen Bylina
Brian & Mary Anne Castro
Dr. Lori Civello
Joe & Shelly Clayton
Debra Cobb
Mrs. Patti Collins
Ann Curriere
John & Pam Dalby
Janice Davis
Mary & Chad DeKing
Joe & Sue DiQuinzio
A.D. Farrugia
Kenneth & Kristine Fay
James & Patricia Feeley
Maryann Folino
Joe & Susan Fuller
Catherine Gargas
Hunter’s Ridge Theatre Group
The Gelber Family
Carol Gomien
Gerald Good II
Jennifer, Aaron, Loretta & Martha Hahn
Chris & Mary Heineman
Paul & Caryl Herwick
Beverly Hoehne
Robert & Jennifer Hoerdeman
Edith Holst
Carol Hubbard
Margie & Michael Isaacson
Judith Iverson
Janine Keating
Sarah Kimber
Tom & Dawn King
Michael Kintz
Judy Kmak
Dennis & Roberta Kmiec
Michael & Nancy Knutson
Patricia Kohut
Kathryn Krivacek
Barbara Laimins
John Lalka
Larry Larson
Doug & Star Lawrence
Susan Lehrer
Barbara LeMaster
Linda Lewandowski
Zelda Lewis
Thomas Lies
Vicki Longfellow
Mary Lucca
Mary Beth & Raymond Matkovich
Cyril & Joyce Matter
Kathleen & Mike McCabe
Maryellen McKenna
Kristin Mellish
Mandy Modic Endowment Fund
Janice Moran
Jon & Barbara Morgan
Adam, Mo & Rocky Morrison
Karen Myrent
David Natchke
Teresa Navratil
Network for Good
Florence Norton
Maria Owens
Stephanie Pecharich
Darlene Peterson
Jason & Andrea Pikscher
Olive Poliks
Ed & Donna Posuch
Connie Poulopoulos
Rose & Liam Quealy
Darlene Radtke
Barbara Ragan
Melinda Ray
Barbara Reece
Kim Remus
Sharon Robb
Diane Roloff
Cledia Rush
Daniel & Susan Ryan
Chuck & Chris Salisbury
Frank & Shelley Saltijeral
Katie Sasser
Lisa Savegnago & Randy Johnson
Edward & Brenda Schindlbeck
Margaret Schmit
Jayne Baron Sherman
Caroline & Ed Sieben
Susan Siegfried
Maureen Slater
Linda Sonner
Bill & Patty Stefanski
Melissa M. Striedl
Emily Strong
Shirley Thompson
Ben & Kathleen Timm Ganey
Brenda & Mackenzie Van Wyhe
Kim Verbout
Elaine Vlach
Jay Walters
Gordon & Marie Watson
Ewing Tate Wayland
Lee & Barbara Wilkins
Janice Williams
Thomas & Carolyn Wujeck
Jerry & Barb Youngren
Jerry & Georgianna Zakosek

CONTRIBUTOR
$250-$499

Michael & Cindy Allara
Gretchen Andsager
Therese Arado
Bari Baskin
LeRoy C. Bauer & Sandra Magill Bauer
David Belanger
Terrence & Patricia Blaida
Sandra & Jim Boves
Kestutis Brakauskas
Rachel Bridge
Terald Brue
Shannon Cameron & David Cannon
Robyn Canene
Mark & Diane Chastain
Bob Cissell
Richard Clancy
The Chris Clementz Family
Wendy Connell
Sherry Cosentine
Mark Coykendall
Gail Creamer
Al Davis
Kristen DeLay
Jean B. Devine
LeeAnn & Joseph Dhooghe
Robert & Sandra Donnelly
Alex & Christa Escalante
Janet Essex
Gary Fairhead
Nathan Fogg
Steve Foote
Marilyn & Bill Foote
Debbie Froelich
Kris & Charlie Fulton
Alice & Jack Gagliano
Michael Garcia
Peter & Mary Jo Ginter
Sharon Gongaware
Ron & Carlene Goodin
Wendy Graham
Micah, Josie, Desiree & Rick Guzman
Paul & Eileen Hagen
Robert Hall
Linda Hardison
Vanessa Hatcher
Jeff, Erin, Alyssa & Rebecca Hartman
Hauck Family
Cheryl Holland
Kimberly Holstine
Ronald & Leslie Jakious
Bill & Gail Jindrich
Donald & Arline Johnson
Dennis Johnson
Joann & David Kamp
Manny Kanter
John King
Robert Kirk
Robert & Karrie Kirk
Brian Kleeman
Gregory Kontos
Dawn Larson
Lois & Larry Leadley
Richard Liczwek
Hedy Lindgren & Jack Sharratt
Paul Loague
Candice Lopez
Lorin Lynch & Lynne Lichtenauer
Sean Maloney
The Margolis Family
Lloyd & Judy Marlar
Gail Marlene-Puetz
Paul Marlowe
James Marsh
Peter Kruk & Donna Martin
Gary Mather
Robert Mathews
Richard Maytum
Anthony & Candice Mazany
Terry Medhurst
Lisa Mesi
William & Charleen Miller
Aspen Mitchell Mead
Richard & Deborah Mitchler
The Monroe Family
Wendy Moore
Tom & Marlene Moran
Anne & David Myers
Jim & Kathy Navota
Kirk & Janelle Neuhaus
Patti Nordhem & Carol J. Schmitt
Richard A. Novak & Cheryl L. Covino
Joseph & Sharon Opp
Neal & Mary Clark Ormond
Dan & Lori Palmer
John & Roberta Paskvalich
Debbie Perez
Tom & Penny Perles
Jennifer Petty
Gracia & Peter Polarek
Mary Powers
Thomas & Karen Pulver
Susan Push
Javier & Rebecca Ramirez
Michael Rhoades
Marlene & Joe Richards
Lee & Joan Rieck
Ricky Rieckert
In Memory of Susan E. Johnson
Robert & Murriel Riedesel
Anthony & Cynthia Risky
Patricia E. Rivait
Steve Roberts
John & Shirley Roesch
Kenneth & Carol Rojek
Big Rock, Illinois
Sherry Salvesen
Gretchen & Jim Sauer
Robert & Elayne Schempp
Susan Scheuerman
The Seidelman Scharbert Memorial Foundation Fund
Mary Sperry
Robert & Terri Sprout
Jill Stargardt
Dr. Karen J. Stewart
Dr. & Mrs. Stipes
Lawrence Stone & Margaret Jongleux
Teddy & Sharon Szczepankowski
Marti Tarmichael
Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Tomazin
Lillian & Steve Tsai
Joann & Dave Verdeyen
Roger Vernon
Allison & Joseph Villinski
Carrie Vournazos
Miriam Wade-Hicks
Rebecca Walker
Frances Ward
Susan Watkins
Mary Lou Wehrli
Harold & Shirley West
Phil & Judy Whitt
Susan Wishnick
Dennis Zacek & Marcelle McVry

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE BY LAW. PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.