FMCT Receives Historic $400,000 Donation
Posted on May 5, 2011
Administrators of the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Trust have announced a major gift to the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT) located in downtown Fargo, North Dakota. The gift, which totals $400,000, is the largest donation to date and the largest individual donation to the theatre in its history.
The gift will fund phases one and two of a four-phase remodeling and new construction endeavor at FMCT, which enters its 65th season on July 1. Phases one and two, which focus on improving accessibility for disabled persons and completing the Theatre’s gazebo project, will begin immediately.
“We are extremely honored and humbled by this gift that will enable even more people to enjoy the arts,†said Rick Stenseth, executive director of FMCT.
The Theatre’s current front steps and disabled access were cutting-edge design for their time; however, the entry has deteriorated, and building and accessibility codes have changed. The newly designed ramp will meet codes and expand FMCT’s commitment to accessibility, a commitment that garnered the organization the VSA & Metropolitan Life Foundation “Access Innovation in the Arts†Award in 2000.
Completion of the gazebo project, in conjunction with the new steps and ramp, will put a “new face†on FMCT. Enclosing the gazebo will give FMCT more year-round available space and will add to the Theatre’s capacity for educational programs and dinner theatre. Additionally, the gazebo will become a secondary rehearsal area and will be used for meetings and receptions.
Katherine Kilbourne Burgum (1915 – 2005) grew up in Fargo and developed a love of the downtown community that she carried with her throughout her lifetime. Her career included numerous notable accomplishments, including eight years as dean of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) College of Home Economics. She is widely credited with construction of the university’s Family Life Center, which NDSU renamed in her honor in 1998. She was a founding member of the NDSU Development Foundation and the Cass County Historical Society. She served on numerous business boards including Western State Life Insurance and the Arthur Companies. She was also an early investor in Great Plains Software. During her lifetime she was patron of the arts and gave generously to both visual and performing arts organizations, and she enjoyed collecting art from regional artists.
“Katherine Kilbourne Burgum, or simply ‘K’ as she was known by many, had high regard for the role of the arts in enhancing the vibrancy of a community,†said Doug Burgum, one of her three children. “She was a believer in the concept that art should be present and accessible in everyday life, for everyone. She enjoyed the performing arts because of their power to transform both the artists and the audiences.â€
A total of $300,000 was given from the trust, with another $100,000 coming from Burgum family members. Doug Burgum said he hopes that these gifts will serve as both a challenge and an inspiration to other individuals and businesses to give to FMCT, which – in conjunction with the announcement of this major gift – has announced a match campaign. Stenseth said that FMCT is seeking $100,000 in matching funds from businesses, individuals or trusts/foundations to complete interior renovation efforts (phase three).
“We were motivated to make such a large contribution because the work to improve FMCT can begin immediately and can have a big impact in a short amount of time,†said Burgum. “Our mother loved the downtown community, and she loved the arts; she loved youth, and she loved education. Through this gift to FMCT, we honor her passions and create a legacy that will benefit the entire community.â€
About Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre
Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT) is the largest and longest-running community theatre in North Dakota and enters its 65th year of programming in July. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, FMCT is dedicated to providing theatrical and education experiences to enrich and engage the greater community, serving audiences of all ages and abilities. FMCT program highlights include: Summer Theatre Project, serving 170 K-6 students, Broadway Lights, a middle school and high school three-week intensive musical theatre experience, and Silver Follies, a “seniors only†performance group. FMCT collaborates with Minnesota State University Moorhead to bring touring productions to schools in the tri-state area, and with Jade Presents to attract a variety of intimate concerts.
FMCT’s 65th Anniversary Season will showcase 16 theatre productions, including FMCT and Children’s Studio Theatre, as well hosting performances by Music Theatre Fargo-Moorhead, Tin Roof Theatre Company, and the Bare Stage Theatre. FMCT is supported by more than 1,200 dedicated community volunteers. FMCT is truly the community’s theatre, where audience members can see their neighbors, co-workers, friends and area youth perform high-quality theatre throughout the year.
Summer performances at FMCT include Aladdin Kids, June 22-26, and RENT July 28-August 7. Tickets and info available at www.fmct.org or by calling 701-235-6778.
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WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL news. So many thanks to the Burgum family for helping to keep our wonderful community theatre available to all who so very much enjoy it. I am SO excited and grateful!!!!
26.05.2011 15:19
This is such an exciting time for FMCT! Thank you to the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum foundation and families !
26.05.2011 16:18
This is just great news! FMCT is such an asset to our community. I’m so grateful to the Burgum family for giving the theatre the chance to get even better. Fantastic news.
26.05.2011 16:19
This is so awesome! Thanks so much to the Burgum family for this generous donation. Many community members will benefit. I cannot wait to watch the “new” FMCT come to life!
26.05.2011 17:08
Congrats!!! Great to see that kind of support for performing arts in our community!!!
26.05.2011 17:15
[...] The Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT) hosted the 13th Annual Emma Awards on Thursday, May 26th . The event is named after FMCT benefactor Emma K. Herbst, and the Emma Awards serve as a way to recognize and honor the work of community volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of service each year at the theatre. These awards are presented to volunteers of the theatre in four categories: Mainstage Production, Musical Theatre Production, Children’s Studio Theatre Production, and Technical Theatre. Congratulations to these Volunteer Actors! To read about FMCT’s Historic announcement click here [...]
27.05.2011 13:22
HOORAY !
28.05.2011 08:55