Bill Rodgers Sponsor Letter
Dear Sponsor,
A few years ago I had an opportunity to learn about a wonderful community resource in Acton. I was invited to be a guest “speller” in Theatre III’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and I had a blast! This was my first experience with this group, but it won’t be my last. Since acting is not my forte, I have chosen to support Theatre III in their fund raising efforts.
Theatre III has been producing high-quality amateur theatre in West Acton for 55 years. They operate out of 250 Central Street in a former church built in 1868, where they present three to five shows a year. As with most non-profits, they run on a shoestring budget. In addition to finding income for operating expenses, Theatre III is currently faced with raising over a million dollars for the preservation of their historic building and renovations to make it fully accessible. Even with grants from several sources, Theatre III is left with an enormous fund-raising task.
In order to lend a hand, I have worked with Theatre III to establish a 5K road race in West Acton. All funds raised will go towards the Theatre III Restoration Fund. Our plan is for this to become an annual event. The first race will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2012. It will be a family event, with prizes for individuals, couples, father-daughter and mother-son teams.
I hope you will sign on to support Theatre III by becoming a race sponsor. Complete information on sponsorship categories is attached. Sponsors at $250 or more will have their names on T-shirts to be given those who pre-register and will be able to put advertising in the bags given to each runner. Higher level sponsors will also be able to advertise in Theatre III programs, in the lobby, and on their website, gaining additional exposure throughout the year.
Please join me in supporting this wonderful local theatre.
Sincerely,
Bill Rodgers
Corporate Sponsorship Levels
Platinum Sponsor--$2500 and up
Business name and logo printed on the back of every Theatre III ticket for the 2012-2013 season (1800 to 3000 exposures); full page advertisement on the inside back cover of Theatre III show programs spring 2012 through winter 2013 (1800 to 3000 exposures); prominent display of business name and logo as primary sponsor in Theatre III lobby and website; prominent placement of business name and/or logo as primary sponsor on race T-shirts given to each runner (200+ exposures); announcement of sponsorship prior to each performance for 1 year; may place advertisement and/or item in bags given to runners on the day of the race; 10 free runner’s entries into the race.
Gold Sponsor--$1000
Full page advertisement inside Theatre III programs spring 2012 through winter 2013 (1800 to 3000 exposures); display of business name and logo as a sponsor in Theatre III lobby and website; prominent display of business name on race T-shirts given to each runner (200+ exposures); may place advertisement and/or item in bags given to runners on the day of the race; 5 free runner’s entries into the race.
Silver Sponsor--$500
Half page advertisement inside Theatre III programs spring 2012 through winter 2013 (1800 to 3000 exposures; display of business name as a sponsor in Theatre III lobby and website; display of business name on race T-shirts given to each runner (200+ exposures); may place advertisement or item in bags given to runners on the day of the race; 1 free runner’s entrie into the race.
Bronze Sponsor--$250
Display of business name as a sponsor in Theatre III lobby and website; display of business name on race T-shirts given to each runner (200+ exposures); may place advertisement or item in bags given to runners on the day of the race.
To sign on as a sponsor of the Bill Rodgers Valentine Road Race to benefit Theatre III, please complete the attached form and return it to the Theatre III volunteer who contacted you, or sign up on the Theatre III website at www.theatreiii.org. Payment should be made by check, payable to the Theatre III Restoration Fund.
Sponsor Information for the Bill Rodgers Valentine Road Race
When: Sunday, February 5, 2012, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Theatre III, 250 Central Street, West Acton, MA
Runners: 200 runners or more
Categories and Prizes:
Course will be on the side streets of West Acton
Pre-registered runners will be given a T-shirt. T-shirts will include the names of corporate sponsors and the race logo with Bill Rodgers signature. Bill will be at the race to greet runners and participate in the awards.
All runners will be given a race bag which will include advertisements from sponsors and giveaways from sponsors (optional).
Registration through www.coolrunning.com, or www.active.com, or at Marx Running and Fitness in Acton.
To get your business sponsorship on the T-shirts, we will need your payment and business information no later than January 15, 2012. To place items in the runners’ bags, we will need your advertisement or give-aways by February 3rd.
Please complete the information on the attached page and return it to your Theatre III volunteer contact or return it to Theatre III, 19 Captain Brown’s Lane, Acton, MA 01720.
Bill Rodgers Valentine Road Race
Sponsor Registration
Please print clearly!
Sponsor Level: (Circle one)
Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Other
Business Name: (As you want it displayed on T shirt and advertising)
_____________________________________________________________
Business Contact: ____________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Business Address: _____________________________________________________________
Business Website: _____________________________________________________________
Advertising insert? Other insert?
(This portion to be completed by Theatre III)
Special Font Used? Logo used?
(Attach sample of font and or logo)
Payment received: ________________________________________________________
Information to shirt designer?
Information to web manager?
Information to program producer?
Theatre III is Acton's foremost and oldest community theatre. Theatre III is a non-profit organization fully operated by a dedicated, hard-working and fun-loving group of volunteers; our mission is to support the performing arts by supplying high-quality entertainment to the community at a reasonable price. We produce three main shows each year, including one major musical. Our seasons often include bonus performances of comedians, directors' workshops, one-act play festivals, musical groups and student productions. We take great pride in the quality of our productions and in developing theatrical skills for participants both on stage and behind the scenes, while building friendships that last a lifetime.
Theatre III is fortunate to own the property at 250 Central Street, next to the West Acton fire station. Built as a Universalist Church in 1868 by some of Acton's leading families, the building became a Women's Club in 1925 and subsequently became a community center in 1955, hosting a nursery school, dog training classes and weekend movies among other things. The Little Theatre Workshop, Acton Chorus and Acton Dance Club joined together to produce the musical Oklahoma and that merger became permanent in the form of Theatre III.
Of course, owning a historic building carries certain responsibilities. Theatre III has begun a 10-year multi-phase project to preserve the building and to improve access for all citizens. The first phase, preservation of the exterior envelope, is already well underway thanks to the generous sponsorship of Acton's citizens through a Community Preservation Grant. The work has included major repairs to supporting structural elements and the steeple, a beautiful new roof for the steeple and restoration work on the foundation. This work has been done according to Acton Historic District Commission guidelines to maintain the historic nature of the property. Subsequent phases of the project will improve critical operating systems and add ramps, an elevator and accessible restrooms so that everyone will be able to enjoy our productions.
With an overall project estimate of $1.8 million, funding all this work is extremely difficult for a small non-profit group, as you can imagine. Theatre III is working diligently to secure additional funding through grants and sponsorships from a variety of sources. But essentially all grants require up to 50% matching funds, which means Theatre III will need to raise almost $1 million over the next 10 years to complete this work. The support of local businesses and patrons will be critical to completing this project.