It has been almost a year since we sent up a cry for help. You, our faithful supporters answered that call. Your generosity has proved, once again, how vital the performing arts are in Kalamazoo. We are grateful to be in the middle of our 45th season. Your kindness and extra support are the reason we are able to say that. Thank you.

Most of you know that in 2010 we lost one of our founders, Mary Jo Kistler. Mary Jo worked alongside Ted Kistler to build the New Vic Theatre into the fine theatre you see today. She was known to perform in our folk musicals and was always a favorite. Mary Jo was the one to explain “exactly what is a fuzz?” and prepare a beverage just the way you wanted it before every show. She was the one to work tirelessly to get you the tickets you wanted for “A Christmas Carol.” She was the one to laugh at every joke in every show.

One member of our acting company, Kim Dunham, shared a special memory of Mary Jo with me recently. Miss Dunham has been performing in “A Christmas Carol” since she was about 12 years old. She recalled that the year before she began acting in the production; she came to see it on her birthday. Mary Jo made a special effort to put flowers and a card at Kim’s table to make the birthday even more special. These are the kind of things she is remembered for. Throughout this effort we will be asking for your memories of Mary Jo. We hope to be able to create a memoriam book to share with everyone.

We still mourn the loss of Mary Jo. You may remember this season has been dedicated to her memory. Many of you know how much of herself Mary Jo gave to the theatre. We would like to continue that legacy of support by establishing The Mary Jo Kistler Memorial Fund.

The immediate priority of this fund will be operational support of The New Vic Theatre. Initially, we would like this fund to serve as an emergency fund. We feel that a reasonable goal for this emergency fund is $125,000. This operational support will include, but not be limited to, materials to rebuild set pieces in much need of repair, replacement of and building of costumes and building enhancements.

Once this fund is established and able to maintain its goal balance, we will initiate some new and exciting artistic endeavors for the New Vic, its artists and its audience.

The establishment of this fund is of utmost importance to the sustainability and growth of the New Vic Theatre.

We will be raising money for this fund beginning June 24th with the opening of Taking Steps and ending on October 1st with a concert featuring our own Jennifer Furney.

Our main source of income is box office and contributions. While most theatres are happy to report that 20% of their funding is earned income, the New Vic regularly operates at around 70% every year from box office and concessions alone.

The New Vic has not had a regular, planned “Annual Fund Drive” in many years. We feel that it is well past time to re-establish that idea. Our hope is that this year we can reach our goal of $125,000 for the Mary Jo Kistler Memorial Fund and in the years to come the Annual Drive will help to maintain that balance and eventually allow for growth of the fund for our future goals.

We are in the process of planning other events designed to raise money for this fund. Please plan to attend at least one of these events. Remember your gift to the Mary Jo Memorial fund is 100% tax deductible. Many of you have already given in Mary Jo’s name and you have our gratitude. Please help us keep her memory alive by making this a record fund-raising year.

Again, thank you for all of your support; we couldn’t do this without you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kistler