SPAC already at 80 percent of new capital campaign goal

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Daily Gazette

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Wednesday announced a $5 million capital campaign, and that it had already raised 80 percent of that goal.

The performing arts center is 50 years old this year, with an upcoming season expected to include world premiers and other tributes to the venue. The fundraising is geared to the commemoration.

“Keeping SPAC strong and growing over the next five decades depends on a new generation of ‘founders’ — our founders of the future,” said Executive Director Marcia White. “Our 50th anniversary capital campaign is an opportunity for donors to help write the next chapter in SPAC’s incredible story.”

Announcing the campaign at the SPAC board’s annual meeting, White said $4 million has already been raised during the campaign’s “silent” phase, including $1 million from one anonymous donor.

Donors have the option of directing their gift to one of three categories: programming, capital improvements or SPAC’s endowment fund. They may also make an unrestricted gift.

Gifts of $25,000 or more will be permanently recognized with an inscribed plaque on SPAC’s new Patrons’ Terrace.

A separate “$50 for 50” campaign for small donations has raised $22,500.

The board also announced that Sonny Bonacio and Richard Higgins, both residents of Saratoga Springs, have been named to the board. They replace Ed Mitzen and Nancy Toohey, both of whom have served for nine years.

Both Bonacio and Higgins are local land developers. Bonacio is president of Bonacio Construction, and Higgins is president of Norstar Development USA.

White also announced that the Charles R. Wood Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to SPAC to support two arts education initiatives for Capital Region children: a pilot dance program entitled “The Performance Project: Youth in Motion” and SPAC’s “Classical Kids” program, which takes the arts directly into classrooms around the Capital Region.