BY PEPPER FISHER
Port Angeles – Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles is getting the word out this week about a generous, dollar-for-dollar matching gift that will automatically double any donations made by the public through December, up to $200,000.
When the anonymous donor was asked about the inspiration behind the gift, Executive & Artistic Director of Field Hall, Steve Raider-Ginsburg, reports that the donor expressed appreciation for the variety of performances and events at Field Hall.
The donor was quoted as saying, “Field Hall presents something for everyone. I wouldn’t touch some of some of those shows with a 10-foot pole, but I am thrilled that so many people are finding performances they love. That’s why I decided to put up a $200,000 challenge, because the breadth of this community is being served and the depth of this community can support.”
As of mid-day Tuesday, Field Hall has received about $50,000 in individual contributions. Raider-Ginsburg says all funds will be dedicated to where they are needed most to support Field Hall’s mission, with particular focus on the organization’s artistic risk fund.
“The artistic risk fund allows us to bring in, say, edgier shows, newer shows, unnamed artists. Maybe the show is technologically complex, or maybe it’s a very well-known artist and we know we could never charge enough in the tickets to cover the fee. So, the finances of donations helps us as a non-profit to underwrite the cost of those programs.”
Another program these funds will support is the Field Hall for All financial assistance program.
“And this is a bucket in which we use funds to make sure art is accessible for anybody in the North Olympic Peninsula. That includes bringing artists into schools. And we do curricular support, so we help students take advantage of an artistic form. So this is with all sorts of artists, from a visual arts to a performing arts medium.”
Raider-Ginsburg said the funds will also be used to fund ticket subsidies for those who apply for them.
There’s only about a week left to have your donation to Field Arts and Events Hall matched dollar-for-dollar. To participate in the end of year match, log onto fieldhallevents.org/giving, email jen@fieldhallevents.org, or visit the Estill & Reba Cornett Box Office at Field Hall, located at 201 W Front Street in downtown Port Angeles. Box office hours are 10AM – 2PM Monday through Saturday, closed December 24th and 25th.
(Photo taken from Field Arts and Events Hall Facebook page)