(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Eagle Theatre has been on an upward trajectory since its founding. This week marks the seventh anniversary of the restoration and reopening of the century old theatre and also one of the most transformative moments since South Jersey’s only year-round professional Equity theatre was established. At a press conference held in Hammonton on June 9th, officials announced that the Wyncote Foundation, of Philadelphia, has made a quarter million dollar gift to the Eagle Theatre’s 3 Year 3 Million Campaign, which is the largest single gift in the Eagle Theatre’s history.
The Wyncote Foundation’s mission is to support efforts that strengthen and enrich culture, community and the natural environment. The Foundation was founded in 2009 with funds from the Otto and Phoebe Haas Charitable Trusts, at the direction of John C. Haas.
Leonard Haas, a member of the Board of Directors of the Wyncote Foundation, was on hand at the special announcement and said, “The Foundation has made this gift with the hope that others throughout South Jersey, Philadelphia and beyond will appreciate and support this rich cultural landscape. We hope that our gift will encourage a broad base of contributors to do everything they can to help this theatre to continue to grow, thrive, and exceed expectation.”
The unrestricted gift will be used for general operating support and was made as part of the Eagle Theatre’s 3 Year 3 Million Campaign. The campaign launched its quiet phase a little more than a year ago and has an ambitious goal of securing $3,000,000 within three years. This gift, along with hundreds of contributions and grants from individuals, businesses, non-profits, foundations and government entities, have totaled more than $1,000,000 in the first year alone. Gifts have ranged from five dollars to two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The campaign continues and information is available at www.3year3million.com or by calling 609-704-5012. As part of this campaign, a new Sustainer Program was also launched on Thursday. The Sustainer Program allows donors to support the theatre with regular contributions, made on an automated monthly basis throughout the year, sustaining Eagle Theatre and helping donors make manageable charitable decisions.
Jim Donio, Eagle Theatre Managing Director, said, "It is with pride and honor that we accept The Wyncote Foundation’s generous quarter million dollar contribution. This transformative gift, along with our 3 Year 3 Million Campaign and Sustainer Program, will allow us to ensure the highest quality and continue to expand the arts in Southern New Jersey.”
Eagle Theatre is South Jersey’s only year round professional Equity theatre and is dedicated to redefining regional theatre through innovation; enlightened production techniques and the development of eclectic theatrics. The theatre is located in charming Downtown Hammonton and is known for world-premiere productions, new works development, Eagle Theatre Conservatory, and the first statewide New Jersey Fringe Festival, which will be held this August in Hammonton.
