Theater troupe thanks supporters

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - The Actors Theatre of Indiana thanked its supporters Sunday after the group sent out an appeal and received a positive response.

The theater troupe just began its new season at the Center for the Performing Arts.

The Actors Theatre of Indiana’s appeal said their move to Carmel added to its budget . The troupe reached out and announced Sunday that they have received gifts totaling $16,780.

Their statement from Sunday evening is listed below:

Dear ATI Family,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are overwhelmed by the amount of support that continues for Actors Theatre of Indiana. Even as this note of gratitude is being written, another patron just left our Carmel offices after dropping off a generous gift. The outpouring of support is proof of what ATI stands for and that the product we provide is of great value, enhancing the quality of life of our community. Every gift, no matter the size, will help to save the 135 full and part-time employees of the Actors Theatre of Indiana for the 2012-2013 Season.

In just three days we have received gifts totaling $16,780. Some of you brought donations to our performances of Gypsy this week, others have contributed online from as far away as New York and Georgia, and others really did drive to the office with their gifts. Remarkable! We have received emails, phone calls and letters of support that have truly warmed our hearts. Individuals and businesses not in a position to make a financial contribution have called with offers of pro bono services, as well.

Of course, Actors Theatre of Indiana must also thank the City of Carmel for its past and continued support of professional theatre in our community. The Mayor and the City Council have continued to make the arts a priority, for which we are incredibly thankful. The performing arts were an important factor in Money magazine's recent selection of Carmel as the Best Small City in America. While both the Council and the Mayor work through the most recent arts appropriations and pending requests, we are hopeful that ATI will continue to receive their support.

We are not "out of the woods" financially and still need your help. We are, however, buoyed by those of you who have responded. We are humbled by this show of support and appreciation for our theatre company and for us as actors! Many of you have been with us from the start and we know our success is due to you! We will be forever grateful.

Please continue to contribute online, over the phone, by mail, in-person at our offices or at the final performances of Gypsy now through Sunday, September 30. See you at the theatre!

Warmly,

Don Farrell, Cynthia Collins, and Judy Fitzgerald