Be a Big Top Stakeholder!
It takes hundreds of tent stakes and thousands of stakeholders to keep the tent in the air each year. Because ticket sales cover just over half of what it takes to present our fine schedule of programs, Big Top needs to raise nearly half of its revenues from other sources. Your annual generosity in
contributing to our fundraising campaign is the only way the shows can continue.
What is Big Top Chautauqua and what do they do? We present educational and entertaining performances and events. Some of our shows are original productions that highlight the history of the region, the culture of the area, and the environment. Others are touring artists of various genres for a broad spectrum of audiences. We also tour our shows to schools and performance centers throughout the upper Midwest, and broadcast our summer shows on Wisconsin Public Radio and other community stations in 10 states.
Why is Big Top Chautauqua important? We provide arts, culture and educational programs to residents of and visitors to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We enrich the lives of those who live here. We provide a major economic driver specifically for the businesses here and for the tourism industry in general. We provide opportunities for young people and students in a relatively depressed, rural area to have access to arts and education programs. We supplement the teaching curriculum of area schools and provide an innovative and fun way to learn the facts of history through song. We bring this arts & culture into the homes of Wisconsinites through the broadcast of Tent Show Radio – and aid in drawing people to the state and region through the show.
The Magic Our original shows remind us of our common humanity, and the importance of our shared history and the stewardship of our shared resources- a deep and meaningful, yet fun and entertaining experience. This is what we call“ The Magic” of Big Top Chautauqua.
ONE-OF-A-KIND Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is the only continually-operating, all-canvas, dramatic end tent theatre in the country. The canvas is real cloth that breathes and enhances the acoustics of the show.
A GATHERING PLACE Big Top provides a“ gathering place,” an oasis for everyone to come together, under canvas, in the beauty of northern WI, to unify and remember the feeling of peaceful communion with their neighbors, friends and strangers in a common experience. Again – The Magic!
How much support does the Big Top need? In 2012 we need to raise $ 350,000 in donations, grants, sponsorships and special events to cover our operating expenses. This figure represents just 26 % of our total operating budget. We need gifts of all sizes from $ 20 to $ 20,000. Larger gifts and bequests will help us build a stable future. Everyone can give that yearly vote of support by being one of our annual donors. Your participation says:
Big Top makes a positive difference in my life!
Giving to Big Top
Big Top is a“ sound investment”. Our Board of Directors ensures that Big Top is operated as a fiscally responsible business and is a good steward of your financial contributions. The organization undergoes an annual audit by the firm of Maitland Singler & Van Vlack SC to ensure that we conduct our operations in accordance with the auditing standards of generally accepted practices of the US. We are a federally-recognized 501( c)( 3) organization in good standing which means that your contributions to Big Top are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Yes! Big Top Makes a Positive Difference in My Life! Send your contribution to BTC, PO Box 455, Washburn, WI 54891 Call to pledge or charge your gift: 715-373-5520 Give online with Paypal at www. bigtop. org / supporters /
For more information on giving to the Big Top, phone Development Manager Elizabeth Ellis at 715-373-5520 or Executive Director Terry Meyer Matier at 715-373-0687.
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Thank You for being a Big Top stakeholder!