Foundation gives boost to Little Theatre
In its efforts to promote the study of history, literature and the arts, the Frederick R. Koch Foundation has made a substantial monetary donation to the Butler Little Theatre.
The foundation donated $5,000 and will match up to $2,500 in donations made to the theater until Oct. 1.
“It definitely will be a boost,” said Sue Collar, the theater's chairman of the board. “He's put no specifications on how the money's to be spent and that's very considerate.”
Collar said the partnership came about when someone at the foundation emailed her asking about purchasing a membership.
When Collar informed them that the theater was not adding new memberships at the time, the foundation said it would be interested in helping the theater in other ways.
Along with the monetary donation, the Frederick R. Koch Foundation will also give the top four individual donors, of more than $500, a tour of Elm Court, also known as Phillips Mansion.
Frederick Koch owned Elm Court, located in Butler, before his death in February.
The foundation was established following Koch's death with the purpose of using his entire estate to “promote the study of history, literature and the arts.”
Elm Court has rarely been opened to outside visitors in the past. Collar said theater board members were able to tour the mansion when they met with the foundation for the first time.
“I've known about it my whole life, but for a lot of years I didn't even know where the access was,” Collar said. “It's just an absolutely gorgeous place.”
The top four individual donors, and one guest, will be able to tour Elm Court with the Frederick R. Koch Foundation.
The Butler Little Theatre is accepting donations sent to: One Howard Street, Butler, PA, 16001 until Oct. 1.
Collar said the theater has already raised $1,000 and expects to easily reach the $2,500 threshold.
