Annual Report | Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua 2014 | Page 5

New Canvas Challenge
In the spring of 2014 , Big Top ’ s longtime friend and supporter , Don Funk , issued a most generous challenge to help replace the tent . He offered to sponsor a major performer , which turned out to be Bonnie Raitt , and to host some special events surrounding that show to help raise funds . Furthermore , he offered to lend his voice to a fundraising effort and to match every gift 2 to 1 up to $ 70,000 in matching funds . The results were quite spectacular ! Together you and Mr . Funk raised $ 156,562 which doesn ’ t count the proceeds raised through the ticket sales for Bonnie Raitt . With a little left over from the new $ 140,000 tent , we were able to purchase a new merchandise tent that will arrive for the 2015 season .
Every dollar was important to the effort ! In recognition of the 581 people who responded to the challenge , a canvas sidewall of the new tent was painted recognizing every gift . Mr . Funk hosted a beautiful pre-show dinner to thank all donors who met the challenge at the $ 1,000 + level , and to celebrate the last all-canvas tent theater in the nation . The magic of the evening culminated in an outstanding performance by the incomparable Bonnie Raitt under the stars and the new canvas canopy .
Our sincere gratitude to Don and to all of you who contributed , from the $ 1 gift with the handwritten note , to every $ 20 donor and every $ 100 donor all the way up . Together your generosity made 2014 an excellent year under a beautiful new canvas tent . Thank you !
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