Chairman Appeal 2020
Dear Music Hall Patrons,
This month marks The Music Hall’s 135th Birthday, and as Chairman of the Board, it’s certainly not exactly how I had planned to mark this milestone. Fellow patrons, there has never been a more important time to support the arts in our community than now, and there has never been a more important time to support our beloved Music Hall. Our birthday celebration is muted and our stage is dark, but we plan to return in 2021 as strong as ever!
It gives me solace that our landmark theater’s longevity is unmatched in Westchester County and that it has both faced challenges before and survived – even thrived. Our magnificent building was built 135 years ago for about $60,000 (the equivalent of $1.6 million today) by William L. Wallace and its opening day featured free children’s entertainment. The theater, known for live performances and films over the years, was rescued from the wrecking ball on Valentine’s Day 1980. Today, thanks to a number of community-minded visionaries, our Music Hall is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. It remains the county’s most iconic and historic entertainment venue with an expanded program of music, theater, dance, film, and arts education – all poised to return to the stage as soon as possible.
This year we are experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis caused by the pandemic, which is why I am asking for your support. The Music Hall generates over $6 million for the local economy and contributes over $35,000 annually in performance space to local nonprofit organizations. When an economic engine like ours shuts down, it has a ripple effect throughout the community. Even in the best of times, we rely on the generosity and support of the community to maintain our programming.
Please consider making a year-end gift today. Collectively, your generosity will give The Music Hall a greater chance to emerge from these troubling times bigger, better, and stronger. Any level of support is greatly appreciated.
I am an optimist – always have been. A new year will bring new hope! I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind support and generous donation, and to wish you a year of hope, health, and happiness in 2021.
I am totally committed to making sure that the curtain will rise again on The Music Hall stage, but we must stay strong, stay connected, and stay committed. Just think of the first live performance when we reopen – how sweet that will be! Until we see each other again, please stay healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Mark Franzoso
Chairman of the Board
New Charitable Tax Deduction Rules: The Federal Government’s CARES ACT {sections 2204 & 2205} has changed rules so that individual donors can now take an above-the-line charitable deduction of up to $300 without having to itemize taxes. For other individual donors, 100% of individual cash gifts can now be deducted against adjusted gross income. For corporations, the 10% limitation is increased to 25% of taxable income.
Matching Gifts: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match most charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company has a match program you may be able to double or triple your gift!
Gifts of Stock & Mutual Funds are a tax smart alternative to cash donations and perhaps the most cost-effective assets to use in making a gift. Donations of securities often allows Music Hall donors to have a bigger philanthropic impact and receive greater tax advantages. Download our transfer instructions for gifts of stock & mutual funds.
The Music Hall is owned, operated & loved by The Friends Of The Mozartina, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
Tax ID: 13-3020574
This month marks The Music Hall’s 135th Birthday, and as Chairman of the Board, it’s certainly not exactly how I had planned to mark this milestone. Fellow patrons, there has never been a more important time to support the arts in our community than now, and there has never been a more important time to support our beloved Music Hall. Our birthday celebration is muted and our stage is dark, but we plan to return in 2021 as strong as ever!
It gives me solace that our landmark theater’s longevity is unmatched in Westchester County and that it has both faced challenges before and survived – even thrived. Our magnificent building was built 135 years ago for about $60,000 (the equivalent of $1.6 million today) by William L. Wallace and its opening day featured free children’s entertainment. The theater, known for live performances and films over the years, was rescued from the wrecking ball on Valentine’s Day 1980. Today, thanks to a number of community-minded visionaries, our Music Hall is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. It remains the county’s most iconic and historic entertainment venue with an expanded program of music, theater, dance, film, and arts education – all poised to return to the stage as soon as possible.
This year we are experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis caused by the pandemic, which is why I am asking for your support. The Music Hall generates over $6 million for the local economy and contributes over $35,000 annually in performance space to local nonprofit organizations. When an economic engine like ours shuts down, it has a ripple effect throughout the community. Even in the best of times, we rely on the generosity and support of the community to maintain our programming.
Please consider making a year-end gift today. Collectively, your generosity will give The Music Hall a greater chance to emerge from these troubling times bigger, better, and stronger. Any level of support is greatly appreciated.
I am an optimist – always have been. A new year will bring new hope! I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind support and generous donation, and to wish you a year of hope, health, and happiness in 2021.
I am totally committed to making sure that the curtain will rise again on The Music Hall stage, but we must stay strong, stay connected, and stay committed. Just think of the first live performance when we reopen – how sweet that will be! Until we see each other again, please stay healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Mark Franzoso
Chairman of the Board
New Charitable Tax Deduction Rules: The Federal Government’s CARES ACT {sections 2204 & 2205} has changed rules so that individual donors can now take an above-the-line charitable deduction of up to $300 without having to itemize taxes. For other individual donors, 100% of individual cash gifts can now be deducted against adjusted gross income. For corporations, the 10% limitation is increased to 25% of taxable income.
Matching Gifts: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match most charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company has a match program you may be able to double or triple your gift!
Gifts of Stock & Mutual Funds are a tax smart alternative to cash donations and perhaps the most cost-effective assets to use in making a gift. Donations of securities often allows Music Hall donors to have a bigger philanthropic impact and receive greater tax advantages. Download our transfer instructions for gifts of stock & mutual funds.
The Music Hall is owned, operated & loved by The Friends Of The Mozartina, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
Tax ID: 13-3020574
