What started out as a simple sidewalk project morphed into something much more this summer. The Nancy Byng Community Theater now has an entirely new element which will make a long-term impact – an outdoor patio. The patio beautifully dresses up the theater’s entrance with a colorful flowerbed during the day and twinkling lights in the evening. It’s the perfect backdrop for mingling, day or night.
We now have a gathering area that can be used for various purposes, including our opening night gala and Happy Hour before a comedy show. We can sell food and beverages outdoors, creating an ongoing source of additional revenue for the theater.
In addition, as was our original goal, the patio provides a safe pathway for our actors from the backstage exit. It also alleviates water-ponding issues that occurred in that spot.
The patio became a possibility due to a generous $1,500 gift from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation. We allocated an additional $1,300 to complete the landscaping and new backstage stairway, but took seriously the challenge to stay within the budget based on the foundation’s gift.
In order to complete what should be a $12,000 project, we solicited the help and assistance of many of our friends. Once others understood that our goal was to do this within the scope of the Bond Foundation gift, they stepped up to the challenge. This is an inspiring example of how to be good stewards of the foundation’s generosity while creating community.
The following businesses and individuals contributed equipment, labor and materials:
- Jackie Foster Inc.
- Central Heating LLC
- Wirtz Septic Pumping
- Duame Sand and Gravel Inc.
- Jerry Parham and crew
- Mike Konkel
- Joe Konkel
- David Jolly
- Bill Koehne
- Chris Weiss
- Jerry Schmit
- Steve Druckrey
- Brigette Finger and family
By combining time, talent, and treasure, we successfully completed the patio project while forging new partnerships in the community. We’re looking forward to spending many relaxing hours on the outdoor patio. We hope you’ll join us.