Raue Center hopes to raise $100,000 by March

The Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake is trying to raise $25,000 by Feb. 25. The fundraising effort is one of two annual appeals.

Rhienna Kujawa, director of development, said the even larger task will be reaching a total goal of $100,000 by the end of March.

“It's a big undertaking and we need help,” Kujawa said. “We need people to say that the arts are important.”

The Raue Center has been around for 10 years, carrying on a long tradition of performances in the former vaudeville theater at 26 N. Williams St. All aspects of the arts are represented in the Raue Center's season offerings from visual art to spoken word to musical theater.

More than 600,000 people have been to an art gallery or Raue Center performance since it opened in 2001. As funding cuts compel schools to minimize arts programs, the Raue Center has also focused more heavily on student programming and reaching out to the younger generation.

Kujawa said the not-for-profit isn't in particularly dire straits this year, but like many similar organizations has seen less state funding since the recession hit.

The fiscal year ends in June and Amy Malpica, director of marketing, said getting a jump on fundraising allows the Raue Center to plan ahead.

“The more money you can get upfront the better off you are,” Malpica said. “Shows can come out a little in advance and we can forecast a little for the next season.”

The Raue Center is about $10,000 away from reaching its $25,000 goal. From there, the organization will look for $75,000 more by March.

Kujawa said 83 cents of each dollar donated goes directly to programming with the rest used to run and maintain the theater. Donors are invited to call Kujawa at (815) 356-9010, ext. 21, for more information or donate online at rauecenter.org.