COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — Aug. 16, 2018 — As American Midwest Ballet continues its own fundraising campaign, the company celebrates news of a recent Lakin Foundation gift of $500,000 to Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment [PACE] in honor of Nancy S. Benson, the daughter of Charles E. and Florence Lakin.
In partnership with PACE, the Iowa West Foundation [IWF] is developing the nearly $27 million Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center as the future home of American Midwest Ballet to be shared with Chanticleer Theater and Kanesville Symphony. IWF contributed $9 million in capital campaign funding and operating costs, the largest single grant in the foundation’s history, with additional gifts of $2 million from Ted and Polly Hoff, $1 million from Bob and Polina Schlott, a $1 million grant from Enhance Iowa, and additional major gifts from regional foundations and many community members.
The ballet continues to raise its own share of funding for its annual operations.
“It takes $1.5 million each season to inspire the community through the ballet’s productions, education programs, and community outreach,” says Erika Overturff, artistic director and CEO of American Midwest Ballet. “Half of that — $750,000 — comes from supporters like you.”
To grow into the company Overturff envisions, the ballet’s annual funding gap will grow to about $1 million over the next few years.
“To date, it will take American Midwest Ballet another $200,000 by December 1 to present our upcoming ninth season of dance,” says Overturff. “We are ready for the future, and incredibly grateful for the support of our community.”
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Learn more about supporting American Midwest Ballet.
Season subscriptions are on sale now through Sept. 1 for Season 9 performances. Single tickets are on sale at Ticket Omaha after Sept. 1.