Anonymous Donor Gives $100,000 to Restore Vogue Theatre

Manistee, Michigan – “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t need the credit.”

While the credit for this old axiom is ironically attributed to many, there’s one person with a very large heart who cares about the Vogue Theatre and Manistee and is a shining example of humility in the gentle art of giving.

Beth McCarthy, member of the Capital Campaign to restore the Vogue Theatre, reports that an anonymous gift of $100,000 has been made to bring the Theatre back to life. It is the single largest gift to date toward restoring the long-dormant theatre, a process that began in February with the purchase of the property by the Manistee Downtown Development Authority.

“There is honor and humility in an anonymous charitable gift,” McCarthy said. “While we can speculate about why the gift was given or who this generous soul may be, the important thing to realize is that someone passionately believes in the project and what it can do to support Manistee’s revitalization. This is a remarkable reflection representing the conviction of many about the value the value of a restored Vogue Theatre to our community and future generations.”

“This donation will focus on the good work that will be done to turn on the Vogue’s marquee lights and bring prosperity and joy back to this community treasure,” said Laura Heintzelman, Executive Director of the Manistee County Community Foundation, in accepting the donation.   “And to our anonymous friend, we want to extend the gratitude and appreciation of an entire community.”

All financial gifts to restore the Vogue Theatre – anonymous or not – should be directed to the Manistee County Community Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization that is managing the restoration funds for the Historic Vogue Theatre of Manistee, the nonprofit created to restore and reopen the Theatre.