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Fundraising For SFCC Auditorium Renovation Launched

Courtesy to Highlands Today from South Florida Community College.

View of balconies at the South Florida Community College auditorium design development level drawings, which are subject to change before becoming final construction bid documents.

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Special To Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 3, 2009

AVON PARK - Thirty years ago, a group of civic-minded citizens reached into their pockets and came up with the money to build the South Florida Community College Auditorium.

Since it opened it 1978, the auditorium has been graced by singers, stars of stage and screen, international orchestras and Broadway-caliber theater. Thousands of students have walked across the stage to accept their high school and college diplomas, while many others have come to the auditorium to hear political forums or attend educational programs.

A major renovation on the auditorium will begin in April and conclude in time for the debut of the 2009-10 Artist Series in the fall.

Monday, the SFCC Foundation Inc., and its Capital Campaign Steering Committee announced a capital campaign to raise the final $1.5 million needed toward the estimated renovation costs of $12.5 million.

Don Appelquist, executive director of the SFCC Foundation, said the bulk of the renovation will be financed by state funds and possibly matching funds.

Donors can make cash donations or pledge gifts they will make in installments over three to five years. Donations of stock, real estate, life insurance and annuity trusts are being accepted.

Bequests and other planned gifts are also being sought to pay for improvements to the auditorium in years to come.

"We hope to get a small endowment that will pay for new stage curtains, seats and so forth," Appelquist said.

Those who make substantial donations can claim the naming rights to any of the auditorium's three new lobbies, one of its 20 side boxes of seats or even the entire auditorium.

With a one-time gift of $500, donors can purchase a memorial plaque for one of the seats in the auditorium to recognize themselves or a loved one. Everyone who makes a donation of $100 or more will be listed on a donor's wall in the new auditorium.

All gifts are tax deductible and should be made out to the SFCC Foundation, Inc. 13 E. Main Street, Avon Park, FL 33825.

Anyone wishing to make a planned gift or pledge a non-cash gift may contact Appelquist at 453-3133.

When the renovation is complete, patrons will enjoy:

• New and larger lobbies - The main lobby will double in size from 2,400 to 5,200 square feet. The auditorium will have a total of three lobbies, which will serve as galleries for the SFCC Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC).

• A roomier orchestra section - The orchestra section will be reconfigured for 1,005 seats, which will be more comfortable and provide more leg room than current seating. Rows of seats will move 25 feet closer to the stage, enhancing the cultural experience for patrons.

• Balcony/side box seating - A new second floor will boast a 349-seat balcony and 10 side boxes with a total of 184 seats. The second floor will have restrooms and more comfortable seating for people with disabilities.

• An improved stage - The area above the stage will be increased by 20 feet to accommodate the background scenery of elaborate performances. The proscenium opening will be of sufficient size to suit everything from intimate one-person shows to large symphony orchestras.

• Better sound and lighting - A new control booth and new in-house mix location will better accommodate traveling performances. Sound and lighting equipment will be enhanced, and stage rigging will increase from a 24 pipe/batten system to a 48 pipe/batten system.

• An overall-improved appearance - Auditorium will receive new carpeting, tile, ceilings, and paint.

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