Van Wert Live Recognizes Annex Donors With Celebration
The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Center, presenting Van Wert Live events unveiled the Central Insurance Annex at The Niswonger Performing Arts Center to donors, dignitaries, and stakeholders in a celebration event on Sunday, March 13.
The festivities, sponsored by Gary Taylor, VWAPAF Board Member, began with an Appreciation Dinner at Willow Bend Country Club with 105 Annex contributors and stakeholders in attendance. Following dinner, guests enjoyed tours through the Central Annex at the Niswonger for a behind-the-scenes look at how the staff and artists use the space on show days. A private concert by The Lee Warren Band, began with a recognition presentation orchestrated the Van Wert Live Professional Team. The program included remarks from Senator Rob McColley and Representative Craig Riedel, both integral in securing $400,000 in OFCC funds for both the Annex and Sound and Lights Project. RJ Coleman, Central Insurance Regional VP, addressed the audience with the community-minded intent behind Central's continued investment in the live performing arts. Van Wert County Foundation CEO, Seth Baker, provided the historical significance of contributions paving the way for progress today.
VWAPAF Board Chairman, Kevin Laing, recognized the Central Annex Naming Rights Donors that include: Central Insurance $200,000 (Annex Naming Rights), Leigh Eisenhauer $100,000 (NPAC Permanent Endowment Fund,) Kenneth & Marilyn Merkle $50,000 (Star Dressing Rooms 1 & 2,) Jim & Mary Pope $25,000 (Laundry Facility,) Hallrich Inc. - Pizza Hut $25,000 (Multi-Purpose Room,) Tim & Karie Stoller $15,000 (Multi-Purpose Room,) Kent & Judy Bradford $15,000 (Production Office,) Bruce & Julie Kennedy $15,000 (Production Office,) Van Wert Federal Savings Bank $25,000, and First Federal Bank Of Van Wert $25,000. Additionally, over forty personal donors were recognized for their contributions to the project.
"State Funds through the OFCC have been essential to our Capital improvements. We are fortunate to be represented by dedicated dignitaries working on our behalf to bring state budget dollars to Van Wert. Senator Rob McColley and Representative Craig Riedel demonstrated their devotion to the arts economy in Northwest Ohio by not only advocating for our support but by being present to celebrate this milestone," states Tafi Stober.
The Annex construction took place during the pandemic, instilling hope for the future of the performing arts in Van Wert thanks to OFCC Funding, Naming Rights Contributors, and personal donors. The Annex and the Sound and Lights project represent a $1.1 Million Capital Improvement into the Niswonger Performing Arts Center which was a $10.1 Million project opening in 2007 as a result of a campaign funded by Scott M. Niswonger, The Van Wert County Foundation, business, and personal donations.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is recognized as a key component of economic development in Northwest Ohio as well as a resource for enhancing the quality of life throughout the region. Future Facility Capital Improvements are being considered by the VWAPAF to support the vision to make Van Wert an entertainment destination by providing experiences that are so good they demand a return.
Senator Rob McColley presents Tafi Stober, Van Wert Live Executive Director, with a State Senator Citation.
Ken and Marilyn Merkle have donated $100,000 for naming rights of all four Star Dressing Rooms at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Representative Craig Riedel and wife Denise pose with donors and stakeholders of the Annex project at Willow Bend Country Club.