What I Have Learned
Patrick Varon is a Donor Advisor for Center Theatre Group’s Development Department.
My primary function for Center Theatre Group is that of a Donor Advisor. Falling under the Development Department, I work with a talented and dedicated staff of fundraisers (actors, entertainers, filmmakers and even a kindergarten teacher!). Our mission is to raise the money necessary to maintain the size and scope of CTG’s vital education and outreach programming. Giving to CTG not only funds important programs, but it also entitles patrons to exciting theater benefits and exclusive donor privileges.
Naturally, in the face of today’s grim economic realities, asking for donations is no easy task. A recent report from the Giving USA Foundation asserts that charitable giving fell last year by the largest percentage in five decades! In spite of that fact, CTG audiences gave anyway. Markets were down, pensions were cut and jobs were lost, yet our patrons gave.
An opportunity arose for the production of ‘Oleanna‘ (Mark Taper Forum, June 6 - July 12). As it turned out, director Doug Hughes’ assistant in New York was unable to come to Los Angeles for the remainder of rehearsals through opening night. It was my time to give and without hesitation, I accepted. Soon I found myself pulling double-duty assisting on a show while still raising money for the theatre. What occurred to me was that the purpose of this show, like that of all our other shows, is to give our audiences a quality theatrical experience they desired.
I look back and realize now that I stood in the middle of a transaction that few may ever see or experience firsthand. I had actively participated in the sacred chain of symbiotic generosity within this theatre and its audience. All were giving out of a spirit of goodwill and for the benefit of others. Patrons gave to me because they believed in CTG, I gave to the show because I was inspired to contribute and the show gave back to the audience a fine theatrical experience. We all believed in each other and we all believed in CTG.
Tags: Development
