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The Suffield Rotary Club "Steps Up" for The Suffield Players
Generous Donation Given by Local Service Organization to The Suffield Players
The Suffield Rotary Club “Steps Up” for The Suffield Players!
In December of 2017 The Suffield Rotary Club made a generous donation to The Suffield Players for rebuilding the exterior steps on both sides of historic Mapleton Hall.
To ensure the safety of theatre patrons and members, The Players had been left with no choice but to replace the staircases on both sides of their theatre in the fall of 2017. An ambitious fundraising campaign was begun to offset the costs of the project, appropriately named: “Step Up”
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“We are thrilled by the support of The Suffield Rotary Club,” says Suffield Players Facilities Manager Jerry Zalewski. “The South Hall steps had been rebuilt in late 2005, and the North Hall stairs in early 2007. Though we expected them to last more than 10 years, the materials and construction had failed. We had to find a way to fund the repairs.”
Many friends and patrons of the theatre donated to support the effort, and the group is most grateful for the steady progress they provided toward meeting the $7,800 fundraising goal.
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Suffield Rotary Club President Richard Kisiel heard of the Players’ rebuilding project. He and Charles Roumas, Vice-President, then invited some Players folk to attend a Suffield Rotary Club meeting in November to share information about the all-volunteer theatre company, the challenges of maintaining an old historic building, and particularly the Step Up campaign.
“We were honored by the invitation,” says Suffield Players Publicity Director Mary Fernandez-Sierra. “The Suffield Rotary is such an active and positive organization in this community. It was great to meet and connect with them!”
After due consideration, The Suffield Rotary’s Giving Committee, consisting of Scott Seabury, Dale Baker, Tom Sullivan, Frank DiGennaro, and Gordon Stagg, authorized a much-appreciated donation to the Players’ “Step Up” campaign for repairs.
“The generosity of the Suffield Rotary Club, as well as the kindness of so many others, has brought us to better than 90% of our fundraising goal,” states Jerry Zalewski. “And we have established a new community connection…something of even greater value to The Suffield Players.”
Come see the refurbished stairs for yourself at Mapleton Hall! The Suffield Players will proudly walk you up to our theatre on either side….or both!