Donor offers 50 percent match for art center fund raising

LUDINGTON – The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) announced today the launch of a 50/50 Fund Your Center matching fundraising campaign thanks to the support of an anonymous patron through the Mason County Community Foundation. In order to receive the matching money, LACA must raise $50,000 by Nov. 1, 2014, and the donor will match it with an additional $50,000 gift.

“We are humbled and thrilled by this incredible opportunity to take our arts center to a new level in the community,” said LACA Executive Director Corinn VanWyck. “We are so fortunate to live in in an area that supports the arts – now is the time to turn opportunity into action, double the value of your investment in the arts and build a legacy for future generations.”

The LACA offers access to and advocacy for all areas of the arts, from free visual art exhibits in the LACA gallery to compelling performances, lectures, classes and workshops. LACA’s leadership team seeks to build upon the arts center’s strong foundation to create even more vital opportunities for artists and arts patrons. Funds raised during this campaign will lay the groundwork for sustainable community arts and culture now and into the future.

A membership drive during the month of August will kick off the LACA 50/50 Fund Your Center Match Fundraiser. During the month of August, any new membership will include an additional free membership of equal or lesser value (one for you and one for a friend). Other fundraising opportunities will take place between now and November 1, from community dinners at area restaurants, to the second annual Rocktober fundraising concert sponsored by Ludrock at LACA on October 25. Organizations and individuals interested in requesting a presentation about LACA, hosting a fundraising event or needing more information should contact Corinn VanWyck at the arts center: 231-845-2787.

“This gift comes at a critical time in the growth and evolution of our art center,” said Barry Neal, LACA board president. “We have the strongest leadership team in our history, a revamped and world-class West Shore Art Fair, plus five years of stability in this building and 10 years as an organization. This gift can make the difference in taking our art center to a new level in our community as the preeminent place to connect over art and culture.”

“If you’ve ever considered joining or supporting LACA, now is the time to make a substantial gift to double your impact on the arts in our community,” VanWyck said. The LACA 50/50 Fund Your Center fundraiser will be in effect now through Nov. 1, 2014. For more information, call 845-2787 or make a gift to your arts center Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5pm at the LACA office or online at fundyourcenter.com.