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 Performing 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 Performing 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. Already through this important campaign, Paramount patrons have donated funds for the replacement of more than 400 seats. Installation of the seats will begin this summer, and audiences can look forward to 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, the Copley Theatre, located in North Island Center directly across the street from the 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.

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.

The Dunham Fund presents a check to Act 2 Chairman Thomas J. Weisner for $2.5 million toward Paramount's capital campaign - the largest grant ever in the theater's history.

Rendering of First Floor Entrance to School and Parent Lounge. By Vara Design.

Rendering of First Floor Parent Lounges in School. By Vara Design.

Rendering of Entrance to School Reception Desk. By Vara Design.

Rendering of Dance Studio

Rendering of Flex Performance Space View from Stage. By Vara Design.

Rendering of Balcony View of Flex Performance Space. By Vara Design.

Examples of new seat models preserving the historic end caps

Current view of Copley Theatre

Save a Seat

STARTING SUMMER OF 2018, PARAMOUNT SEATS WILL BE REPLACED

“SAVE A SEAT” DONATION

• $40/month donation for 10 months OR a one-time $400 donation
• Your donation will be matched by the Dunham Fund, saving another seat!
• Recognition on a new, highly-visible plaque in the Grand Gallery
• Gifts can be made in memory of a loved one, in a family name or to honor someone

Question about the Save a Seat campaign? VIEW FAQs.

ONE-TIME DONATION: DONATE TODAY *Once you complete the $400 donation online, check your email the next day to submit your plaque wording.

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

Current seats

Current seats

Current seats

Current seats

Examples of new seat models preserving the historic end caps

GIVING LEVELS

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.

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
• 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 Michele Bergeron at 630.723.2495 or micheleb@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.  Be prepared to have your socks blown off as we use our NY connections for some extra special treats!

THE TRIP INCLUDES:

• Round-trip airfare
• Hotel accommodations at the beautiful Westin in Times Square
• Fabulous dinner every night
• Breakfast with amazing entertainment
• Broadway Theatre tickets to the hottest shows in town
• Tours & sightseeing

LET US MAKE ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS AND BE YOUR HOST

TRIP DATES

May 3 – 6, 2019
June 7 – 10, 2019
September 20 – 23, 2019

2018 Broadway Tours are SOLD OUT. Don’t delay TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP IN 2019.

FOR MORE DETAILS

Please contact Beth Sullivan at 630-896-1788 or beths@paramountarts.com.

Don’t wait to reserve your spot; these trips WILL sell out!!

A PORTION OF THE COST OF THE TRIP IS A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION AS PROVIDED BY LAW. The Paramount is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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

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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

Alfred Bersted Foundation
Asbury-Gardens
Bank of Montgomery
Mike & Jan Baum
BMO Harris Bank
John & Erin Bryan
ComEd Exelon Company
Thomas & Joyce Fisher
Estate of Jeffery Frohlich
The Dunham Fund
Jonathan & Amber Hylton
Illinois Arts Council
Jake’s Machining & Rebuilding Service
Karademas Management Group
Old Second National Bank
McShane Construction Company
PACE
Dale & Sarah Richardson
Rush-Copley Medical Center
Frank & Char Voris

PRODUCER
$5,000 – $9,999

William Ainsworth
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Bruce & Margot Goldsmith
Bruce & Linda Grider
Dr. Eric Nolan & Mike Finan
Peterson Roofing Mt. Prospect
John & Jean Savage
Schmitt McDonald’s Corporation
Robert Sherry
James & Pamela Wyman

DIRECTOR
$2,500 – $4,999

Baum Property Management
Clear Persepective Advisors, LLC
Scott & Jane Glor
Peter & Susan Grometer
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Illinois Public Risk Fund
Jean Klingenstein
Gary & Judy McCann
Sikich LLP
Mark & Pam Truemper
Ralph & Linda Voris

LEADING ROLE
$1,000 – $2,499

Aurora Sign Co.
Gina Bakiares Santori
Katherine Balek
Rick & Susan Bill
Tom & Rose Baranowski
Terrence & Patricia Blaida
Jay & Suzanne Boryscka
Robert Boynton
Bob & Julie Bowen
Melanie Brown
Betty & Don Brownson
Lorraine & Peter Dirks
Roy & Rachel Downing
The Ecolab Foundation
Richard & Ruth Edelman
Virginia Engler
Penny Falcon
Russell & Judy Flores
Lawrence & Pat Frieders
Craig & Annette Frier
Mr. & Mrs. John Gaudio
Craig Giblin
Ruth Haas
Patricia Hartwig
Jean Hawkinson
Richard & Arlene Hawks
Jack & Diane Hienton
Mark & Suzanne Hosticka
David & Julie Resh-Jelliff
Joe Jesensky
Nick & Elizabeth Johnstone
Dr. Tosca Kekish
Janet & Stephen Kenyon
Terence Kothe
Cynthia Latimer
Jill Lavelle
Greg Malnick
Sharon Mau
Kathleen & Mike McCabe
Mike & Vicki McCoy
Mandy Modic Endowment
Gina & Zach Moga
Jim & Kathy Navota
Ron & Marie Olbrysh
Paramount Volunteer Ushers
Carol Pedot
Terry & Valerie Reynolds
Doreen Rick
Robert & Murriel Riedesel
John & Shirley Roesch
Richard & Judith Rogala
Paul & Susan Schlesinger
Joseph & Lois Schmit
Edward & Sharon Stredde
Andy & Pam Tolve
Richard Treonis & Colette Ansley-Treonis
Jerry & Barb Youngren

SUPPORTING ROLE
$500 – $999

Kellie Abens
Cathy Anderson
Joni Anderson
Aurora Turners
Shirley Avery
Dick & Joanne Bales
Val Barnes
Diane Barrowman
Joni Barry
Ruth & Tom Bastian
Steven & Karen Bazzell
Stewart & Claire Beach
Steve & Anne Beatty
Jim Becker
David Belanger
The Bellafiore Family- V.J., Angie, Ava & Jayme
William & Margaret Benoit
Ken & Margie Bieber
Bonnie Bishop
Cathy Boll
Michael Bond
Elizabeth Boomer
John Bosch
Ronald Bottcher
Al & Carrollyn Brady
Rachel Bridge
Randall Brown
Charles & Sandra Brummet
Paul & Paula Buddy
Jeffry & Pat Butler
Karen Butz
Annie Cardwell
Mary Anne Castro
Dr. Lori Civello
Joe & Shelly Clayton
Katy Clemens
Tico Conover
Deborah Conterato
Nancy Corbett
John & Pam Dalby
Janice Davis
Rich & Marlene Deck
Christina DeGustino
John & Joanne Diederich
Donald & Elise Drogosz
Dr. Lorene Eckberg
Mark Eichelberger
Helen Eckstrom
Coleen Feece
David Fink
John Frerich
Deborah & Ron Garrison
Jeremy & Nichole Gehman
Phil Gelber
Dan & Kim Gier
Mary Gierich
Carol Gomien
Ted & Wanda Grabow
Dr. Mary Gramley
Geraldine Gubik
John & Loretta Gustafson
Paul Hagen
Robert Hall
Martin & Paula Harmon
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Harris
Anita Hayward
Chris & Mary Heineman
John Herndon
Paul & Caryl Herwick
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hill
HUB International
Carol Hubbard
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Huberty
Brian Hurst
Judith Iverson
Bill & Gail Jindrich
Bill & Sharon Johnson
Dr. Stephen Jurgia
Joanne Kark
Patrick & Luanne Kelsey
Mrs. Diane Kindler
Bill & Laura Klish
Cheryl Knight
Nancy Knutson
Richard & Amanda Kobal
Joan Kramer
Phyllis Kramer
Ellen Kwit
Larry Larson
Doug & Star Lawrence
Nancy Lehnert-Cuny
Wesley & Janet Ludwig
Danielle Maciejewski
Michael Manrot
Linda Marquardt
Adam Marshall
Julie Marx
John & Marie McEachern
John McKee
Terry Medhurst
Michael & Sandra Meyers
Gary Mickey
Judith Milas
Erika & Chris Miller
Jon & Barbara Morgan
Guy Morice
Karen Murphy
Nancy Petersen
Joe & Golnar Phillips
Jason, Andrea & Annabelle Pikscher
Donna Posuch
Janis Potter
Thomas & Karen Pulver
Tim & Bridgette Rater
Kristi Ream-Hoerres
Kathy Ritter-Stephans
Daniel & Susan Ryan
John E. Saddoris
Bill & Sharron Sailor
Charles Salisbury
Laurie & Rick Sauer
Fred & Maria Schaffer
Edward & Brenda Schindlbeck
Laurie Schnell
Walt & Linda Schubel
Kathy & Kevin Schulte
Rosanne Schultz
James Schuster
Rich Sharpenter
Annette Shoemaker
Caroline & Ed Sieben
Brian Smith & Jill Sidoti
Mary Speers
Nancy Spring-Epley
Todd Smith & Julie Kersten
David Stanton
Thomas Stark
State Farm Companies Foundation
Julie & Jeff Stokowski
Lawrence Stone & Margaret Jongleux
Thomas Tinker
In Memory of Bonnie Tinker
Rev. Arlyn & Jeanne Tolzmann
Tim Tunt
Brenda & Mackenzie Van Wyhe
Ronald & Barbara Vavrinek
Pat Venuso
Joann & Dave Verdeyen
Michael & Maryjo Vetter
Sharon Waide
Marcelline Wampach
Ewing Wayland
Thomas & Marilyn Weisner
Dr. Ann West
Lee & Barbara Wilkins
Thomas & Carolyn Wujeck
Jerry & Georgianna Zakosek
Kevin & Shelly Zielinski
Barbara Zillgitt
Jane & Craig Zimmerman
Rita & Robert Zuponeck

CONTRIBUTOR
$250-$499

Lucas Albright
Jonathan D. Allsup
Dr. James Aman
Art Andersen
Charles Anderson
Katie & Chris Arko
Janice Arvin
Katherine Ball
Dennis Banschbach
Anne Barrett
Denise Bayer
Martha Bein
Doug Bellm
James & Susan Bergeron
Mary Bessler
Delores Biegun
Francois Blasini
Lee & Martha Boergadine
Don Bonet
Lee Bradley
Jean Bradley
Joann Brehm
Sandi Brinlee
Richard Browning
Amy Buckley
Al Butkus
Rebecca Calkins
Rebecca Capshaw
Patricia Carley
Kalynn Carlson
Wendy Carlson
Thomas Cartwright
Donna Catlett
Jose Cervantes
Kevin Chilelli
Diane Christian
Ann Cliff
Kathy Clolinger
Pamela Colwell
Rick Cook
Natalie Coombes
Jayne Cooper
Kristal Correa
Jim Corti
Sherry Cosentine
David Cox
Dawn Cozzoni
Diane Crawshaw
Elizabeth Cress
Rodney Crossland
Joanne Cutter
Pamela Rhoads
In Memory of Mary Czaplak
Anastasia Daleiden
Monika Darfler
Winifred Daumen
Gunnar Davis
Karen DeAngelis
Brenda DeGeer
Susan Degnan
Michael DeNardo
James Dennin
Kathy Dick
Roberta Dibasilio
Anne Dickinson
James & Barbara Doty
Lawrence Driscoll
Myrna Driskell
Arthur & Shirley Drummond
Susan Dugo
Marianne Duitsman
Gregg Duncan
Don Dunham
Jennifer Dutton
Dorothy Eaton
Beth Ebervein
Elizabeth Eccher
Kathleen Embry
Terry Emma
Janet Essex
Kochman Family
Donald Fancher
Marcia Farley
D. Farrugia
Mary Feay
James & Patricia Feeley
Norbert & Judy Feltes
Marilyn Fedorchak
Cheryl Fernandes
Lawrence Flinn
Richard Forand
Carol Ford
Marilyn Franck
Margaret Frank
Mary Frazer
Charles & Lois Freiheit
Scott & Donna Freymark
Jane & Richard Fujii
Joe & Susan Fuller
Kris & Charlie Fulton
Barb & Thomas Gacic
Lynn Gaeckle
Terry & Barbara Gehman
Jo Gengler
Lynn & Paul Genter
Karen Gibbs
Mary Gibson
Chuck Gilmore
Peter & Mary Jo Ginter
Annette Golz
Charles Gorski
Jan Graefen
Nancy Grandau
Doug Green
Lynn Gourley
Frank Guzauskas
Robert Hack
Darryl Haefner
Leann Harbaugh
Denny & Edie Hard
David Harding
Caitlin Hazelton
Kim Hansen
Linda Healy
Steve & Nancy Hensley
Lorraine Herr
Betty Hettinger
Susan Hinderman
Wendy & Jane Hirsch
Connie Hodson
Pam Hoehn
Janet Hoffman
Pat Holman
John Honcharuk
Hunter’s Ridge Theatre Group
Rita Hupp
Melissa Hurst
Kathleen Husarik
Karen Hutt
Sabrina Isherwood
Sharon Jacobs
David James
Edward Jeszka
Karen Johns
Yvonne Johnson
Steve Johnson
Dennis Johnson
Darrell Jordan
Barbara Juster Shore
Monica Kayser
Kathryn Keller
Carolyn Kerkla
Sandra King
Alex Klang
Shirley Klupchak
Dennis & Roberta Kmiec
Dan & Patty Knowles
Cheryl Knox
Sandy Knutson-Grebner
Debra Kogelman
Judy Kossert
Linda Kozoman
Ruth Kramp
Rebecca Krause
Jake Krippelz
Kathryn Krivacek
Barbara Krug
Bruce Kuehl
Gary Kukla
Joanna Kulevich
David Lange
Larry Lauderdale
Annette Laughlin
Christopher Laurent
Theresa Laurenti
Gregory Layne
Chuck Lee
Guy Lenke
Connie Leturno
Scott Levitt
Donna Lunthicum
Francis Lucente
Lorin Lynch & Lynne Lichtenauer
Erika Lytle
George Malina
Margaret Mamminga
Lloyd & Judy Marlar
Gail Marlene-Puetz
Greg Marone
Christine Marszalek
Dr. Bill & Mrs. Mary Marzano
Frank & Patricia Maxson
Bill & Donetta McGrath
Doug Meagher
Linda McCabe
Vimala Menon
Dain Meyer
Randy Mielke
Mark Miller
Tom Miller
Cathy Milner
Sherree Monaco
Fred Moore
Mike & Vicki Morcos
Dr. Jorge & Mary Morfin
Douglas Mueller
Wally & Sue Mundy
Augustine Murin
Trisha Muro
Melody Nanzer
Dave Natchke
Jeff Neiman
Brian & Marianne Nelsen
Robert Nelson
Janelle Neuhas
Kathy Neuman
Thomas & Carol Noffsinger
Mary & Irv Ochsenschlager
Mary O’Connor
Carolyn & Stanley Oke
Kevin O’Neill
Mary Clark Ormond
Oswego Public Library District
Lori Palmer
Dolores Parnell
Bonnie Pasbrig
Jim Pearson
John Perkins
Marilee Pfaffinger
Jennifer Pierce
Kathleen Ploger
Amy Plummer
Regina Pohlschmidt
Rita Potter
Suzanne Potter
Keith Pretet
Jim Pritchard
Jerry Provance
Eve Pulver-Johnson
Erin Pydlek
Rose Quealy
Sharon Rahr
Jodie Randell
Bradley Rausa
Abbie Reitzel
Benjamin & Cheryl Reyes
Jacob & Marisa Richards
Lissa Richey
Eric Robben
Steve Roberts
Carrie Roberts
Kelly Roberts
Matt & Peggy Robinson
Scott Robowski
Susan W. Rogaliner
Kenneth & Carol Rojek
Barbara Ross
Linda Rossi
John Roth
Lisa Rusnak
Susan Sangwa
Susan Satterthwaite
Lisa Savegnago & Randy Johnson
Cathryn Sawallisch
Katherine Schaffer
Steven Schaming
Carolyn & Roger Schellenberger
Jeff Schindlbeck
Charles Schmidt
Arthur Schmitz
Martha Schwab
Connie Scott
Brock & Ruth Ann Seney
Jean Sheldon
Randy Sidio
LaVora Singleton & Lynn Dieter
Frank & Mary Kay Slocumb
Linda Smedinghoff
Todd Smith
Scott Soderquist
Steve & Janet Solarz
Linda Sonner
Heather Spang
Mary Sparks
Christopher Sparks
Jane Stearns
Chuck & Kathy Strayve
Deanna Stuart
Dennis Synal
Linda Szott
Mike & Amy Tews
Karen Thomas
Julie Thomas
Kurt Thurmaier
Angela Tims
Clarice Toynton
Chris Tunney & Kristen Ziman
Kari Ulrich
Robert & Toni Vaughan
Debbie Ventre
Jill Walker
Donita L. Vester
Maria Walther
Jesse Waltz
Yeouhsin Wang
Marie Watson
Chris Goerlich Weber
Toni Wegman
Denise Weidman
Joseph Weiler
Leslie Weiss
Linda Weiss
Regina Wiel
Diane Wilkens
Scott Williams
Peter Wilson
Mary Wilson
Joseph Winkle
Neal Woessner
Lee Wood
Dave Wooten
Katy Wozniak
Lou Ann & Mike Wukitsch
Pamela Wright
In Memory of Corrine Yohnk
Grant Zabielski
Dennis Zacek & Marcelle McVry
Robert Zeller
Shirley Zemansky
Marjorie Zimmerman
Gail Zwemke

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