New Canvas Challenge
In the spring of 2014, Big Top’ s longtime friend and supporter, Don Funk, issued a most generous challenge to help replace the tent. He offered to sponsor a major performer, which turned out to be Bonnie Raitt, and to host some special events surrounding that show to help raise funds. Furthermore, he offered to lend his voice to a fundraising effort and to match every gift 2 to 1 up to $ 70,000 in matching funds. The results were quite spectacular! Together you and Mr. Funk raised $ 156,562 which doesn’ t count the proceeds raised through the ticket sales for Bonnie Raitt. With a little left over from the new $ 140,000 tent, we were able to purchase a new merchandise tent that will arrive for the 2015 season.
Every dollar was important to the effort! In recognition of the 581 people who responded to the challenge, a canvas sidewall of the new tent was painted recognizing every gift. Mr. Funk hosted a beautiful pre-show dinner to thank all donors who met the challenge at the $ 1,000 + level, and to celebrate the last all-canvas tent theater in the nation. The magic of the evening culminated in an outstanding performance by the incomparable Bonnie Raitt under the stars and the new canvas canopy.
Our sincere gratitude to Don and to all of you who contributed, from the $ 1 gift with the handwritten note, to every $ 20 donor and every $ 100 donor all the way up. Together your generosity made 2014 an excellent year under a beautiful new canvas tent. Thank you!
4