The escalating COVID-19 health crisis continues to impact everyone and every organization in Columbus and across the country. In these uncertain times, we want you to know that we continue to work to positively affect our community, bringing the highest quality national Broadway tours and world-class artists to the RiverCenter stage and educating countless school children and teachers with programs and experiences that improve children’s academic progress, minds and lives. But now we are faced with a growing challenge that renders all of that extremely difficult to do.
In response, the RiverCenter Recovery Fund has been launched. This campaign is designed to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 shutdown and help RiverCenter address the challenges of the extended recovery period ahead. At this time, when you make a contribution to the Recovery Fund, your contribution will be matched, dollar for dollar up to $150,000, through a generous matching grant from the Bradley-Turner Foundation.
The COVID-19 crisis introduces tremendous stress in an industry that already has a great deal of risk in its business model. In the best of times, it is difficult to ensure financial stability and cash reserves, and the art, culture and entertainment markets are very fickle and fragile. It takes very little – even the slightest rumor – for ticket sales to begin to slump. Add to this that non-profit organizations rely upon individual contributions, corporate support and grants that quickly fade away in times that the economy is stressed or when, understandably, human suffering and overarching threats to public health come in to play.
Since the days of the Columbus Challenge, which built RiverCenter and sparked the growth of downtown and all that exists there today, RiverCenter has created a hub of artists, providing a home for the Columbus Symphony, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, Columbus Ballet and CSU’s Schwob School of Music, providing performance experiences and opportunities that have become central to the cultural life of our city. We could not have done it without the support of our patrons, our donors, our sponsors and our city. We thank you for all you have done for RiverCenter in the past and urge you to continue your support so that RiverCenter can continue this tradition for many years to come.
You can support the RiverCenter by making a contribution by clicking on the Give Online button above. RiverCenter is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and gifts are tax-deductible.
Please keep RiverCenter in your hearts. We need you now more than ever.
Ways to Give
RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a diverse institution that serves communities throughout our region, with programs presented both in our venue and outside in the community. The yearly support that we receive from people like you helps us present world-class performing arts programming in addition to outstanding arts education programs and free outreach activities for the entire community to experience.
We accept checks, cash, and credit card gifts. Credit card gifts may be made on our website by clicking on the “Give Online” button below.
For personalized service, you may reach a development staff member at development@rivercenter.org or (706) 256-3653.
We also accept gifts of stock. Please call Stephanie Heard at Synovus Securities, (706) 649-2538, to make arrangements.
Special Gifts
A Gift of the Performing Arts provides a way for donors to honor someone on their birthday, wedding, anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild, or for any other special occasion. A Gift of the Performing Arts may also be used to make memorial gifts. Prompt notification of the gift is sent to those being honored or the next of kin in the case of a memorial gift. To make an honorary or memorial gift, please contact development@rivercenter.org or call (706) 256-3653.
Payment Flexibility
We can set up recurring payments on your credit card or invoice you if requested on your pledge card. Your annual pledge may be made in monthly or quarterly installments, or the most convenient way you prefer. We also accept gifts of stock.
Membership Benefits
Membership benefits expire one year from the initial gift or pledge. Please let us know if you wish to not receive benefits. We greatly appreciate your email address so we can let you know about upcoming events, special show information, and more. We also send our quarterly newsletter electronically unless you tell us to send you a printed copy.
Donor Acknowledgement
Please indicate on your pledge card how you would like to be recognized in publications. Please note if you wish to remain anonymous.
Designations
The greatest gift you can give is to make a contribution to support RiverCenter’s mission of providing quality entertainment and promoting the artistic enrichment of the Columbus area. However, we welcome designated gifts to support specific programs including ArtsReach, which provides arts education and outreach programs and events for students and the entire community.
