Business

Playhouse announces $200,000 bequest

By Bill Moss, Published: November 23, 2012

Although it won't help the immediate financial shortfall, a bequest of $200,000 could help the Flat Rock Playhouse in the future.

Playhouse artistic director Vincent Marini announced the donation in an email on Friday. Although he wanted to remain anonymous, the donor asked that his decision be made public in order to inspire others to do the same, Marini said. Here is the announcement:
"I wanted to let you know that fifteen minutes ago I met with an 85-year-old patron who stopped by the Playhouse to talk to me about helping to save our beautiful theater.
"He has been a patron for 22 years and recently, he has literally attended just about every show we have produced over the past few years. He just informed me that on Monday, he will be meeting with his lawyer to give 1/3 of his entire estate to Flat Rock Playhouse. The total will be at least $200,000. While he is not able to give a substantial gift today because of how his estate is structured, he said this to me.
"I take every day as it comes and when I read the article in the paper, it hit me. I need to do something now. I will feel better about leaving this planet if I know that my money is going to go to Flat Rock Playhouse."
"He wants to remain anonymous but he did have one request. He asked that we tell other people about his decision to give in order to inspire them to do the same. I wish I could thank him by name, but I at least wanted you all to know about his generous gift and his love for this place.
"While this doesn't change our immediate need for $250,000, it does effect our long-term goals. Today, on the most powerful day of the year for giving to non-profits, I wanted to encourage people to follow this wonderful man's example and help us act to permanently save Flat Rock Playhouse."